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DUKE 

UNIVERSITY 

LIBRARY 


n^reasure  "Room 

UXOPLA. 


COLONEL  FLOWERS 


I 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 
in  2010  witii  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


littp://www.arcliive.org/details/despotismorlastdOOvose 


DESPOTISM; 


OB 


%\i  fast  lap  0f  tl]^  limKuo  "gti^u^jlu 


BY 

INVISIBLE  SAM. 


Unknown  he  lived,  unenvied,  not  unblest  ; 

Reason  his  guide,  and  Happiness  his  guest. 

In  the  clear  mirror  of  his  moral  page, 

We  trace  the  manners  of  a  purer  age. 

His  soul,  with  thirst  of  genuine  glory  fraught, 

Scorn'd  the  false  lustre  of  licentious  thought. 

BOGBBS. 


NEW  YORK ; 
PUBLISHED  BY   HALL  &  WILLSON, 

115   AND   117   NASSAU  STREET. 

1856. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1856,  by 

HALL  &  WILLSON, 

in  the  Clerk's  OflBce  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Southern  District  of  New  York. 


stereottped  bt 

Peter    Duncak, 
22  Spruce  Street. 


INTRODUCTION. 


In  the  month  of  May,  1856,  I  was  walking  leisurely  toward 
the  battery.  A  gentle  breeze  came  from  the  west — the  full 
moon  was  directly  over  my  head,  and  the  light  was  almost  the 
splendor  of  a  cloudless  day.  I  sought  the  spot  where  once 
the  stairs  were  placed  on  which  the  stranger  steps  as  he  lands 
on  our  soil.  I  found  the  place,  and  stood  mute  as  I  gazed  in 
astonishment  on  all  around  me.  What  a  change !  was  the 
exclamation  that  escaped  from  my  lips  ! 

Here,  where  I  now  stand,  Washington  once  stood  !  An 
eminent  poet  has  said  that  the  spirit  of  Poetry,  if  the  goddess 
ever  visits  the  earth  in  a  visible  form,  would  here  hold  her 
court.    Alas,  he  did  not  know  what  wicked  aldermen  could  do  ! 

The  evening  previous  I  had  called  with  a  friend  at  the  house 
at  which  a  spiritual  medium  had  arrived,  and  a  few  believers 
had  called  to  congratulate  the  empiric.  To  exhibit  his  pow- 
ers as  a  revealing  medium,  he  gave  conversations  with  Bacon, 
Washington,  Franklin,  Clinton,  Webster,  and  others  ;  and  he 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

asked  me  to  converse  with  my  lost  friends  through  his  agency. 
I  proposed  various  questions  to  my  departed  relatives,  and  the 
answers  astonished  me !  What  can  be  the  secret  of  this 
power  ?  I  must  reflect  on  this  deep  mystery  !  With  this  un- 
accountable phenomenon  I  was  struggling  to  make  some  pro- 
gress. I  wished  to  comprehend  some  letters  in  its  alphabet. 
I  would  reach  the  vestibule,  if  I  could  not  look  into  the  magi- 
cian's heathen  temple. 

In  this  deep  study  I  detected  myself  standing  on  the  very 
spot  where  Washington  once  stood  !  What  revelations  the 
sainted  spirit  of  Washington  could  make!  Will  Providence 
in  its  goodness  remove  for  a  brief  moment  the  veil  that  con- 
ceals death  from  life,  and  enlighten  me  as  they  who  have  gone 
before  me  are  enlightened  ? — Was  my  private  wish  audibly 
expressed  ? 

At  this  moment  I  heard  the  roar  of  wind.  The  earth 
rocked — a  chasm  yawned  before  me  !  Prom  out  of  regions 
dark  a  spectral  form  appeared !  Grim-visaged  Despotism 
stalked  forth  to  conflict  and  to  death  !  In  the  distance  I  saw 
a  manly  form  approaching.  I  turned  my  face,  and  I  saw  ano- 
ther form.  They  were  all  approaching  the  spot  where  Wash- 
ington received  the  congratulations  of  grateful  hearts  as  he 
once  landed  on  freedom's  soil. 

Who  are  these  forms?  I  asked.  They  came  near  me,  and 
my  heart  beat  with  quickened  action  !  For  what  horrid  pur- 
pose is  that  weapon  ?  I  shall  be  murdered  !  was  the  excla- 
mation uttered  in  feeble  voice.  Imagination  may  deceive,  but 
if  I  am  awake,  my  eyes  cannot  deceive  me  !  was  the  thought 


INTRODUCTION.  s'l 

of  the  moment.  I  placed  myself  behind  the  only  object  that 
could  partially  conceal  me,  and  breathed,  it  might  be,  my  last 
breath  !  I  heard  a  voice.  Are  they  gods,  or  demons  ?  it  was 
asked.  The  horrid  form  now  shook  with  anger,  and  fire  was 
flashing  from  his  eye  ! 

I  looked  again.  The  moon  was  gone  !  With  murky  dark- 
ness all  things  were  now  obscured.  The  thunders  rolled  from 
cloud  to  cloud  !  The  lightning  flashed  !  The  air  with  sul- 
phurous gas  was  filled  !  A  lurid  light  shot  from  heaven  to 
earth  !  A  boat,  full  of  living  beings,  was  wrapped  in  flames, 
and  dear  relatives  in  horrid  torments  now  were  dying !  Fire ! 
fire  !  I  cried,  in  loudest  tones.  I  turned  my  face,  and  one 
blaze  illumined  the  whole  horizon  !  War,  and  fire,  and  horrid 
passion  were  desolating  the  whole  country,  and  terror  reigned  ! 

I  looked  again.  I  saw  two  spirits  meet.  They  seemed  like 
men  in  armor,  with  visors  down.  They  bowed,  and  seemed 
congenial  spirits.  Accept  this  wand — it  is  live  oak !  All 
power  now  is  thine  !  Command  what  thou  wilt !  he  cried,  in 
voice  of  thunder  1 

A  manly  spirit  now  stepped  forth,  in  grace  and  noble  port. 

My  voice  is  for  peace !  The  storm  no  more  shall  rage  ! 
The  moon  shall  shine  !  The  fires  no  more  shall  burn  !  Sweet 
scenes  of  peace  shall  succeed  war's  alarms  !  The  whole  coun- 
try now  shall  smile  in  happiness  ! 

This  was  no  dream  !  I  looked  again.  The  moon  was 
shining,  the  clouds  were  gone,  and  beauty  was  beaming  from 
all  around  me.  I  saw  gay  flags  of  all  nations  floating  in  the 
breeze.     Ships  were  crowding  our  busy  marts,  and  the  shouts 


xii  INTRODUCTION. 

of  grateful  hearts  went  up  to  heaven  !  The  goddess  of 
Fiction,  somelimes  called  Poetry,  was  seated  on  her  throne, 
and  at  my  right  hand  received  the  worship  of  a  grateful  na- 
tion !  The  two  spirits  now  were  near,  and  in  converse  passed 
a  brief  moment. 

I  came  for  light,  for  truth,  for  revelations  from  you,  as  the 
Spirit  of  Truth  from  other  worlds,  said  a  venerable  form ! 

I  know  thy  name.  I  welcome  thee  !  said  the  military  form. 
!My  name,  you  know,  is  Washington. 

I  thank  you  for  this  interview.  My  name,  you  know,  is  In- 
visible Sam — the  impersonation  of  the  great  Yankee  nation. 

Washington. — I  have  watched  your  noble  eflforts,  and  ap- 
piove  them  all. 

Invisible  Sam. — Thy  approval  is  life  and  happiness  to  me, 
and  the  sure  evidence  of  my  success  in  rescuing  from  despot- 
ism this  great  nation. 

Washington. — Go  on  and  enlighten  the  world,  and  coming 
ages  will  thank  thee  for  all  the  virtues  that  pure  life  and  wise 
maxims  can  bestow  on  your  fellow  men.  My  wand  I  have 
given  thee,  and  its  power  has  extinguished  fires  that  despotism 
had  kindled. 

Invisible  Sam. — The  great  country  that  claims  thee  for  its 
founder  is  most  glorious.  We  shall  be  united,  and  enjoy  our 
present  free  institutions  forever. 

Washirigfoti. — All  human  institutions  will  crumble,  and 
despotism  will  again  reign,  as  in  Catholic  darkness !  The 
whole  world  progresses  but  to  recede. 

,  Invisible  Sam. — Can  nothing  save  us  ? 


INTRODUCTION.  XIU 

Washington. — Without  intellectual  light,  an  elevated  civili- 
zation, pure  morals,  and  pure  religion,  freedom  can  have  no 
existence. 

Invisible  Sam. — Has  any  European  nation  intellectual  light, 
an  elevated  civilization,  pure  morals,  and  pure  religion  ? 

Washington. — They  have  not ;  and  for  that  reason  not  a 
single  state  can  ever  support  an  elective,  or  free  government. 

Invisible  Sam. — Is  the  Catholic  hierarchy  a  despotism  ? 

Washington. — It  is  the  most  powerful  despotism  that  the  in- 
genuity of  man  ever  invented  ! 

Invisible  Sam. — Can  any  American  promote  the  welfare  of 
the  great  country  more  effectually  than  by  blending  the  inci- 
dents of  a  thrilling  tale  with  the  daily  occurrences  of  life  in 
which  all  readers  are  interested,  and  take  a  part  ? 

Washington. — He  cannot,  if  he  wishes  to  inculcate  virtue 
and  the  principles  without  which  our  great  and  glorious  coun- 
try will  recede  to  despotism. 

Invisible  Sam. — To  you,  the  Goddess  of  Fiction,  I  propose 
this  question  :  Will  you  aid  me  to  save  the  nation  ? 

Goddess  of  Fiction. — Half  the  world  has  been  civilized  by 
me.     I  lead  all  nations  to  the  highest  enjoyments  of  this   life. 
By  my  aid  you   shall  save  the    nation   from  secession,  from 
popery,  from  anarchy,   from  demoralization,  from  despotism 
and  you  shall  guide  the  whole  country  upward  in  civilization 
in  union  and   happiness.     My  mission  is  to  redeem  the  world 
and  to  claim  attention  to  the  cause  of  truth  and  virtue. 

Invisible  Sam. — As  a  literary  production,  I  do  not  care 
what  estimate  the  Americans   may  place   upon  my  fiction 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

from  its  readers  I  will  accept  nothing.  On  these  conditions, 
can  the  sentiments  here  advocated  be  brought  to  the  consider- 
ation of  every  well  educated  and  reflecting  person  ? — I  want 
no  other  readers. 

Washington. — They  certainly  can,  if  the  principles  that  you 
advocate  have  the  support  of  eminent  talents. 

Invisible  Satn. — That  question  interests  the  readers  of  thy 
country,  and  must  be  decided  by  them,  and  not  by  me. 

To  those  who  read  the  following  pages,  no  illustration  of 
this  allegory  will  be  ofiered. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  imnien.'5e  wealth  of  England — Steam  doubled  their  proflts — Calico  Peel'a  imtnenso 
fortune — Mr.  Rogers,  the  immensely  rich  banker  and  poet — Party  at  his  house — Eng- 
land and  her  debt  of  four  thousand  millions,  and  constantly  increasing — Mr.  Rogers 
marries  Grace  Bruce — Napoleon's  war  of  twenty  years — England's  exijenses  one  mil- 
lion eight  hundred  thousand  dollars  everyday — Duke  of  Devonshire  has  an  income  of 
two  and  one-half  millions  annually — Mr.  Mitford,  the  banker,  worth  ten  millions — Hia 
daughter  goes  upon  the  stage — She  rejects  tlie  offer  of  Cardinal  Wiseman — Eugenia, 
daughter  of  the  Spanish  Minister,  the  ricliest  nobleman  in  Spain — Mrs.  Rogers  a  de- 
scendant of  King  Robert  Bruce,  who  died  in  1.3'29 — The  failure  of  the  great  hanker, 
Samuel  Williams,  in  London,  formerly  of  Boston — Pamela  Rivers  and  Louis  Phillippe — 
Lady  Grosvenor  and  the  Duchess  of  Devonshire — Nearly  all  the  incidents  of  the  work 
are  facts  recorded  in  our  authentic  history. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Lord  Ashburton's  party — The  great  bank  of  India,  by  which  Mr.  Overard  makes  untold 
millions — The  bank  owns  all  the  valley  of  tlie  Mississippi,  now  worth  more  than  the 
debt  of  England,  or  four  thousand  millions — The  stock  advances  to  ten  times  its  cost — 
On  the  failure  of  the  bank,  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  was  sold  to  the  United  States 
— It  is  so  large  that  one  river  flows  four  thousand  one  hundred  miles  through  its  soil 
— Mrs.  Gaines  recovers  her  suit  and  eighteen  millions  of  dollars — The  greatest  specula- 
tion ever  known  extended  over  France  and  reached  England — The  bubble  burst,  and  all 
the  nobility  were  ruined — Mr.  Rogers  despised  corporations,  and  escaped  ruin — Napo- 
leon's star  was  rising,  and  his  empire  extending  over  all  Europe,  crushing  out  civiliza- 
tion, and  destroying  five  millions  of  souls — Conspiracy  of  Napoleon  and  the  Pope  to 
destroy  Protestantism — The  horrid  consequences  of  Popery — Popish  priests  calling  our 
best  men  liars — Iri^h  habits  and  vices — Miss  Pamela  Rivers  the  agent  of  the  Irish  re- 
bels— French  fleet  to  invade  England — Pitt  and  Burke. 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  party  at  Sir  Hubert  Mitford's — Lord  Byron — The  Kemble  children  ;  the  amateur 
play  in  which  they  first  appear  upon  any  stage — Miss  Mitford's  great  genius — Mr. 
Sheridan  recommends  literary  pursuits  and  the  stage — Mr.  Rogers  deeply  interested  la 
Miss  Kemble's  success — Vic.  Kemble  relates  to  Mr.  Rogers  the  affecting  story  of  her 
begsing  for  her  parents  in  the  street,  and  their  painful  death  by  starvation  I — Vic.  and 
her  brothers  obtain  an  engagement  from  Mr.  Coleman — Their  great  success — France 
murdering  their  King  and  Queen,  and  all  the  royal  family — A  Spanish  fleet  joined  the 
French  fleet  for  the  invasion  of  Ireland,  and  the  destruction  of  England — One  hundred 
thousand  persons  walking  the  streets  of  London  in  a  state  of  starvation,  and  destroy- 
ing millions  of  property — No  person  dares  to  speak  to  his  neighbor,  for  fear  he  may- 
be a  Catholic,  and  stab  him  to  the  heart — Lord  Fitzgerald  offers  his  hand  to  Miss  Ri- 
vers, and  is  finally  accepted. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Party  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Coutis — All  the  nobility  are  assembled— White  slaverv,  and 
the  sale  of  beautiful  Circassian  girln — Greek  Revolution,  Lord  Byron,  and  sale  of  New- 

XV 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

steail  Abhev — Powers'  Greek  Slave  may  be  seen  alive  at  Constantinopte — ^The  misera- 
ble Turks  now  hold  all  the  places  dear  to  the  readers  of  the  Bible,  and  classic  litera- 
ture—Great tKlents  of  Miss  Kemble — Mr.  Rogers  requests  Mr.  Coleman  to  be  a  parent 
to  Miss  Kemble  ;  he  promises  her  protection,  but  allows  frequent  visits  to  the  green- 
room— The  pernicious  effect  of  had  plavs  on  national  morals — The  engagement  be- 
tween General  McDonald  and  Enjrenia,  and  Mrs.  Barbauld's  view  of  marrying  men — 
Mrs.  Rogers  is  alarmed  by  the  increase  of  rich  men  without  title.s — Mrs.  Barbauld  asks 
Mrs.  Rogers  if  emiijrants  die  an  easy  death,  or  linger  iu  torments,  in  the  Indian  coun- 
try 'f  America— Great  liberality  of  the  Boston  merchants — Mr.  Bates,  of  the  great 
house  of  Bariug,  Brothers  &  Co. — Josiah  Quincy,  senior  and  junior,  and  Daniel  Web- 
ster- John  Q.  Adams  makes  a  speech  not  previously  reported. 

CHAPTER  V. 

Great  party  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Rogers— Great  prosperity  of  the  United  States — Napo- 
leon's desire  to  get  the  United  States  into  a  war  with  England — His  success,  and  the 
fatal  consequences  to  England  and  the  United  States — Erie  Canal  contemplated— Great 
prospeiity  of  New  York,  and  the  certainty  of  its  being  the  largest  city  in  the  virorld — 
Proplietic  allu«ion  to  the  great  men  who  have  appeared — The  Pope  and  Napoleon,  and 
their  hatred  of  Protestanti.-.m  — Presentation  of  chaplets  to  Vic.  and  her  brothers  John 
and  Charles  Kemble,  with  speeches — Bishop  Heber's  view  of  the  hierarchy — The  Ca- 
tholics have  destroyed  fifty  millions  of  Protestants — Mr.  Brady  and  the  Catholic  reli- 
gion— The  English  Government  bonds  fall  to  forty-five  pounds  for  the  hundred — The 
great  events  that  nearly  destroyed  England — She  was  sustained  by  Rothschild — Ihe 
American  privateers  taking  all  the  English  merchant  ve.^sels — The  United  States  lose 
all  their  carrying  trade,  worth  one  hundred  millions — All  Ireland  breaks  out  iu  open 
rebellion  ;  Pamela  Rivers  detected  in  ue^ociating  for  Erjince  and  the  Irish  rebels—The 
Addiess  of  Invisible  Sam — The  religion  of  lawyer  Brady. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

An  old  ship  at  the  dock  in  London — Mrs.  Bright  engages  her  passage  ;  her  beauty  and 
misfortunes — Mr.  Brighl's  misery  and  promi-e  of  reformation — The  Manchester  sails 
— A  storm,  and  great  danger  of  shipwreck — The  brutal  conduct  of  the  captain— The 
cholera  breaks  out  on  board  the  Manchester — Twenty  persons  are  thrown  overboard 
every  day,  and  some  of  them  before  they  were  done  breathing — Mrs.  Bright  attacked  ; 
her  pathetic  address  to  her  husband — Tlie  funeral — Mr.  Bright  arrives  in  New  York, 
and  takes  an  attic— He  i^  niuidi-red  by  McFlippin  and  Mr.  Quirk — Mr.  Hay's  vi.-it  to 
the  den  containing  hundreds  of  robbers  and  murderers — Schuyler,  Reicl  and  Thorndike 
managers — Ellen  Rogers  and  Dr.  Lightner,  Baker  and  Pool,  and  dozens  of  their  party — 
Carson  and  Live  Oak  Fillmore  and  Houston  to  be  murdered — M':Flippin's  defence  of 
Popery,  aiid  his  view  of  the  Bible— The  murder  of  Mr.  Hays,  and  the  reward  of  five 
hundred  dollars  by  the  brother. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Mr.  «nd  Mrs.  Putnam  of  New  Haven — Emma  Putnam  with  her  mother  visit  Mrs.  Phelps 
in  the  Firth  Avenue — Tiiey  visit  the  public  bui'diugs,  the  fashiunable  stores,  and  Wall 
striet— Tliev  meet  Mr.  Brown,  Mr.  Collins,  and  Mr.  Haven,  who  have  lost  their  chil- 
dren-Mr. Pea-e  charges  the  suffering  and  starvation  to  the  stores  licensed  by  the  city 
fathers — Death  of  Mr.  Jones— Fillmore  and  Law  for  the  Presidency — (ireat  Wf'alth  and 
talents  of  Commodore  Yanderbilt  and  our  merchants — Great  liberality  of  Mr.  Swift 
Mr.  Hoffman,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs  Rngers,  A.  T.  Stewart,  &c.,  &c— Tiffnny's  rich  store— 
Geuin,  Kail,  Black.  Gale,  Lord  &  Taylor,  Haughwout,  and  others — Eniuia  Putnam  see.s 
tiie  chiMieu  sweeping  the  streets  and  selling  apples,  and  is  interested  in  one  with 
black  eyes — Novel.^  and  their  injurious  tendency — Mrs.  Putnam  indulges  her  taste  for 
astronomy — The  chronometer  that  varied  but  one  minute — The  earth  mav  be  destroy- 
ed by  the  orbs  of  Heaven — Light  moves  one  hundred  and  ninety  thousand  miles  in 
one  second  of  time,  and  requires  ei^thty  one  years  to  reach  the  fixed  Stars — Horrid 
condition  of  Catholic  Euro^pe — Bishop  Hewe's  and  Ire's  view  of  the  reformation. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Cox  calls  on  Mrs.  Phelps— Mrs.  Putnam  returns  to  New  Haven— Emma  re 
quests  her  aunt  to  walk  with  her  to  Broadway,  where  she  had  seen  a  child  with  black 
eyes — They  find  the  child,  and  converse  with  "her,  and  the  next  day  call  on  Mrs.  Ward, 
with  whom  Isabella  lived— Mrs.  Ward  was  found  in  the  most  abject  condition  ;  she 
proved  to  be  »  rejected  daufiUter  uf  one  of  the  most  respectable  merchants  ia  New 


CONTENTS.  Xvii 

York  ! — Mrs.  Phelps  pays  Mrs.  Ward  a  sum  of  money,  and  placps  Isabella  in  a  ragjed 
school,  under  the  care  of  Miss  N. — Emma  returned  to  New  Haven,  and  soon  after 
takes  Isabella  home,  and  they  attend  school  together — For  years  they  were  insepara- 
ble— At  the  age  of  sixteen  Emma  again  visits  her  aunt  Phelps — Receives  visits,  and 
■walks  by  moonlight  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  with  James  Cope — Mrs.  Phelps  gives  Fmraa 
her  opinion  of  the  young  men  who  are  suitors  for  her  hand,  and  recommends  Jamns 
Cope,  of  Philadelphia,  who  is  wealthy,  and  a  member  of  one  of  the  fir.-<t  families — 
His  apostrophe  in  front  of  the  cold  water  temple — He  offers  himself  to  Emma  near 
Mr.  Cox's  church,  and  is  accepted. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Judge  E ,  the  Spiritualist,  walks  in  Fifth  Avenue  by  moonlight  with  James,  and  dis- 
cusses the  new  laws  for  the  improvement  of  the  morals  ef  the  city — Judge  E is  in 

deep  despondency,  and  is  partially  deranged— He  argues  that  all  the  vices  and  three 
fourths  of  the  sufferings  might  be  avoided  by  better  institutions — He  discusses  the 
necessity  of  observing  the  laws  till  they  can  be  changed,  if  they  require  changing — In 

one  of  his  paroxysms,  Judge  E has  a  vision  of  a  cold  water  procession,  and  sees 

all  the  men  who  have  labored  to  fix  free  institutions  on  our  soil — In  another  vision  he 
sees  a  procession  of  fallen  angels  emerging  from  a  house  built  with  brandy  in  the  Fifth 
Avenue— He  sees,  at  the  same  time,  a  throng  of  men  and  boys,  in  a  condition  that  in- 
dicates great  demoralization,  and  he  fears  that  among  them  are  men  who  are,  or  should 
be  regarded  as  virtuous  men — McFlippin  appears  to  him  in  his  vision,  and  presents  his 
■views  of  freedom,  and  a  virtuous  community — In  the  height  of  his  paroxysm,  Judge 

E acknowledged  his  spiritual  experience — James  Cope  visits  llrs.  Putnam,  and  is 

received  as  the  suitor  of  Emma. 

CHAPTER  X. 

Mrs.  Phelps  offers  Emma  a  wedding  at  her  house  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  and  she  writes  to 
her  parents  at  New  Haven — Her  parents  reply  by  letter,  and  allow  Emma  to  accept 
her  aunt's  kind  offer.  Invitations  to  the  wedding  are  sent  to  Philadelphia,  Boston, 
New  Haven  and  Albany — Mrs.  Phelps'  high  standing  in  the  social  circle — The  wed- 
ding— The  Rev.  Dr.  Cox  marries  Emma  and  James— At  the  wedding  party,  all  the 
most  eminent  gentlemen  and  ladies  of  New  York  are  assembled,  among  whom  are  Pe- 
ter Cooper,  G.  W.  Curtis,  Fanny  Fern,  Washington  Irving.  I)r.  Nott,  Parson  Green, 
Messrs.  Coleman  and  Stetson,  Mr.  Leland,  S.  P.  Townsend,  R.  Vf.  Howes,  Mr.  Hyatt, 
M.  0.  Roberts,  Mrs.  Jones,  Mrs.  Coles,  Mrs.  Townsend,  Mrs.  Bartlett,  Mrs.  Parker, 
Mrs.  Cooley,  Mrs.  Penneman,  Mrs.  Vanderpool,  Mrs.  Lawrence,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carnes, 
Mrs.  McElrath,  Mrs.  A'an  Dusen,  Mrs.  Randall,  Mrs.  Bayard,  Mrs.  Murray,  Mr.  Pierce, 
Mr.  Valentine  Thompson,  Taylor,  Wagner,  Judge  Beebe,  Mr.  Leupp,  Mr.  Gilsey,  Tho^. 
Morton,  L.  L.  Squire,  D.  B.  Keeler,  Lawyers'  names  who  have  no  respect  for  character 
— Half  the  ladies  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  attend  the  wedding  party — Hundreds  of  Knew 
Nothings  are  among  the  guests,  including  Mr.  Bancroft,  Edward  Everett,  and  Mr.  Cre- 
rar — Forty  of  our  richest  men  are  seen  together,  whose  aggregate  wealth  is  one  hun- 
dred millions — Judge  Campbell  gives  his  views — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cope  visit  Philadelphia, 
and  on  their  return  take  posses.-iion  of  their  house  on  the  Fifth  Avenue. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cope  return  to  New  York — The  ladies  of  the  Fifth  Avenue  call  on  her — Mr. 
Bancroft,  the  eminent  historian,  calls  on  Mrs.  Cope — Novels  and  their  pernicious  ten- 
dency— Mrs.  Cope  asks  Mr.  Bancroft  to  write  a  novel,  and  he  declines — The  condition 
of  society — Mr.  Bancroft  condemns  Spiritualism  and  Catholic  priests — Mr  Bancroft 
gives  Mrs.  Cope  a  sketch  of  Mr.  Everett's  conversation — The  population  of  the  world 
is  eleven  hundred  and  fifty  millions — With  every  oscillation  of  the  pendulum  of  a  clock 
one  person  dies — The  whole  world  is  seen  marching  to  the  grave,  in  solid  column,  to 
nature's  music — Thrilling  scene — Eleven  hundred  millions  in  column  !— Bishop  Huggs 
marches  with  the  column,  and  receives  his  doom  at  the  Throne  of  Judgment ! — Mauy 
inarch  by  wrong  paths — Napoleon  at  the  Day  of  Judgment — Certain  persons  there. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cope  passed  their  summers  at  Newport  and  the  springs,  and  their  winters 
in  the  Fifth  Avenue — Mrs.  Cope's  son  was  born — Mr.  Wiggin  writes  Mrs.  Cope  in  great 
anxiety  respecting  Popish  invasions,  and  Wiseman's  dangerous  union  with  Rome—. 
England  in  great  danger  of  losing  her  national  existence — The  great  antiquity  of  Lon- 
don— Mrs.  Cope  writes  her  parents,  and  invites  them  to  visit  Europe  with  her,  and 


XVni  CONTENTS. 

without  her  husband— The  rich  and  eminent  T.  P.  B.,  called  on  Mrs.  Cope,  and  is  of- 
fended by  the  colcluess  of  her  manner — She  questioned  him  on  all  his  pchemes  by 
which  he  acquiieil  half  a  million  of  dollars — He  consents  to  reason  the  question  of 
the  high  respectability  of  sliowmen.  He  is  perfectly  satisfied  that  all  showmen  are 
conscieutious  and  well  entitled  to  the  respect  of  a  virtuous  community — The  mermaid, 
the  wiiolly  horse,  Lieutenant  Fremont  and  the  base  frauds— The  great  liberality  of 
T.  P.  B. — Mrs.  Cope  offers  to  write  an  epitaph  fur  hi.s  mausoleum,  with  its  gorgeous 
minarets  pointing  to  the  skies — Her  oner  is  accepted — The  poetic  beauties,  and  the 
truthful  hits  at  past  virtues. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Mayor  Conrad,  of  Philadelphia,  calls  on  Mrs.  Cope — They  ride  from  the  Fifth  Arenue  to 
the  Battery — The  beauty  of  the  landscape — The  wicked  desecration  of  the  place  by  the 
aldermen — Live  Oak  intercedes  to  save  the  Battery — The  elm  supposed  by  Mayor  Con- 
rad to  be  an  oracle — Ihe  elm  turns  poet,  and  converses  in  oracular  language — The 
eagle — The  scenes  of  suffering  related  by  Live  Oak — The  oracle  pronounces  Live  Uak 
to  be  the  true  representative  of  the  American  party — The  nomination  of  Live  Oak  by 
Pennsylvania,  and  by  thirty  millions  of  the  country — Mayor  Conrad  and  the  elm 
agree  in  their  high  appreciation  of  Live  Oak. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  Beekman  family  are  descendants  of  the  Puritans — The  singular  conduct  of  Kate 
Beekman — She  is  married  to  Augustus  Bayard,  a  rich  merchant,  and  removes  to  the 

Fifth  Avenue — Mrs.  M refu.>>es  to  call  on  her,  which  produces   a   social  war — Mrs. 

Brevoort  and  Mrs.  Phelps  expose  Jlrs.  M as  the  propagator  of  numerous  scandalous 

stories  in  the  highest  circles — .■effecting  interview  between  Mrs.  Cope  and  Mrs.  Schuy- 
ler— The  death  of  Mr.  p. — Build's  lake  in  Jersey — Hj-de's  Hotel  in  Sudbury,  Vt.,  pat- 
ronized by  the  aristocracy — .Scenes  at  Newport,  and  their  pernicious  tendency — Names 
of  individuals  who  liave  been  driven  from  society  by  certain  habits — Kate  and  Oscar 
Bayard — The  great  M.inhattau  Park  and  M^yor  Wood — The  habits  of  young  men  who 
Ti>it  the  highest  circles — Conundrum.- — Mr.».  Cope,  Mrs.  Bayard  and  Mrs.  Phelps  ride 
daily  in  their  own  coach — Mrs.  Cope's  ill  health  and  growing  despondency — Mrs.  Bay- 
ard invites  to  her  house  all  who  are  to  embark  in  the  Ul-fated  Arctic,  and  offers  to  in- 
troduce Mrs.  Cope  to  all  of  them. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Anna  Cora  Mowatt,  Mr.  Ritchie,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thompson,  'Wallack,  Burton — Mrs.  Cope's 
party  assemble,  and  among  them  are  nearly  all  who  were  lost  in  the  Arctic — Mrs.  Cope 
introduced  to  Mr.  and  ilrs.  Day — Mr.  Sanford,  Mr.  Benedict,  Miss  Brown,  and  other.s — 
Mrs.  Cope's  nervous  anxieties — Mr.  Torrance  of  New  Orleans  is  introduced  to  Mrs. 
Cope  by  Mrs.  Bayard,  and  proposes  to  visit  Kurope  with  Mrs.  Cope,  and  without  Mr. 
Cope  he  offers  to  elope — Mr.  Torrence  and  the  Governor  of  Louisiana — Mrs.  Bajard 
discovers  that  James  is  indisposed — Mrs.  Cope  involved  in  the  deepest  distress — Dr. 

Bogert  is  sent  for,  and  gives  no  encouragement — Mrs.  Cope  sinks  into  despondency 

She  calls  on  Mrs.  Murray — Mrs.  Murray  is  an  advocate  of  Women's  Eights,  and  defends 
free  love,  and  gives  the  men  a  deserved  castigation. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Mrs.  Cope  i.s  in  great  distress — Calls  on  Dr.  Tyng  for  advice,  and  asks  him  if  it  will  be 
right  for  her  to  embark  for  Europe  in  the  Arctic,  without  the  consent  of  her  husband 
— Dr.  Tyng  urges  her  to  give  up  her  strange  desire  to  visit  London  for  the  medical 
skill  of  Sir  James  Clark — Mr.  Bright,  now  a  Member  of  Parliamt-nt,  advertises  for  his 
grand-children,  Isabella  and  John,  who  left  London  secretly  in  1842 — Mrs.  Cope  called 
to  part  with  her  son  and  sister — Her  deep  despondency — Mrs.  Bayard  calls  almost  dai- 
ly, and  found  Mrs.  Cope  gradually  approaching  madness  ! — Writes  to  Isabella  that  she 
had  formed  the  fatal  residution,  and  in  her  own  coach  takes  the  letter  to  the  office — 
Lsabella  arrives  at  Mrs.  Bayard's  without  the  knowledge  of  Mr*.  Putnam — She  is  bro- 
ken-hearted— They  all  embark  in  the  Arctic  without  the  knowledge  of  friends  or  rela- 
tions— Mrs.  Cope  sees  the  wreck  of  the  Arctic  in  a  dream  ! — Her  affecting  interview 
with  Mr.'.  Bayard,  and  her  message  for  her  husband — Mrs.  Cope  on  board  the  Arctic— 
The  touching  address  of  Invisible  S-im. 


DESPOTISM. 


CHAPTEE    I. 
WEALTH  AND  POVERTY. 

Oh  could  my  mind,  unfolded  in  my  page, 

Enlighten  climes  and  mould  a  future  age; 

There  as  it  glow'd,  with  noble  frenzy  fraught, 

Dispense  the  treasures  of  exalted  thought ; 

To  Virtue  wake  the  pulses  of  the  heart, 

And  bid  the  tear  of  emulation  start  I 

Oh  could  it  still,  through  each  succeeding  year, 

My  life,  my  manners,  and  my  name  endear  ; 

And,  when  the  poet  sleeps  in  silent  dust. 

Still  hold  communion  with  the  wise  and  just  !— 

Yet  should  this  Verse,  my  leisure's  best  resource, 

■When  through  the  world  it  steals  its  secret  courso, 

Revive  but  once  a  generous  wish  supprest, 

Chase  but  a   sigh,  or  charm  a  care  to  rest, 

In  one  good  deed  a  fleeting  hour  employ, 

Or  flush  one  faded  cheek  with  honest  joy, 

Blest  were  my  lines,  though  limited  their  sphere. 

Though  short  their  date,  as  his  who  traced  them  here. 

Rogers. 

In  the  early  part  of  this  century  there  was  living  in  London 
an  eminent  merchant,  by  the  name  of  B.  Rogers.  Mr.  Rogers 
was  a  merchant  of  great  wealth  and  rigid  integrity.  He 
owned  vessels,  shipped  merchandise,  bought  goods  for  conti- 
nental houses,  and  loaned  money  as  a  banker. 

The  manufacturers  of  England  were  in  the  full  tide  of  suc- 
cess. Steam  had  been  introduced  into  all  their  factories,  and 
by  reducing  the  cost  of  manufacturing,  had  added  largely  to 
the  profits  of  the  manufacturers. 


20  DESPOTISM. 

England,  at  this  time,  not  only  manufactured  for  all  Eu- 
rope, but  for  all  the  world.  She  had  recently  extended  her 
dominions  in  India  from  75  to  150  millions  of  subjects.  Her 
possessions  on  the  American  continent  were  greater  than  the 
whole  United  States,  and  she  had  the  continent  of  Australia, 
too  large  to  be  called  an  island,  possessing  untold  wealth,  not 
then  developed. 

The  commerce  of  England  was  equally  successful,  and  was 
pouring  in  a  stream  of  constantly  increasing  wealth.  It  was 
at  this  time  that  calico  Peel,  the  father  of  Sir  Robert,  ac- 
quired a  fortune  of  nearly  fifty  millions,  which  at  his  death  be- 
came the  inheritance  of  Sir  Kobert.  There  appeared  to  be  no 
limits  to  the  wealth  that  England  had  acquired  at  that  period. 
We  are  all  aware  of  the  difficulty  of  bringing 
to  the  mind  any  clear  conception  of  the  difference  between 
one  large  sum  and  another  infinitely  larger.  What  is  tho 
diflference  to  the  mind  between  95  millions  of  miles,  which  is 
the  distance  to  the  sun,  and  190  millions,  which  is  the  diame- 
ter of  the  earth's  orbit  ? 

The  reply  is  that  there  is  no  diflference,  there  can  be  no 
diflference,  and  on  that  account  mathematicians  do  not  use 
miles  in  computing  great  distances  in  the  solar  system,  but 
assume  the  diameter  of  the  earth's  orbit  as  the  measure  of 
distance. 

The  debt  of  England  has  been  for  years  4,000  millions  of 
dollars.  We  will  suppose  that  for  every  dollar  of  debt,  there 
are  in  England,  Ireland,  Scotland  and  Wales,  and  her  East 
and  West  India  and  Australian  colonies,  twenty  dollars  of 
public  and  private  property.  We  then  have  an  aggregate  of 
80,000  millions  of  dollars,  to  represent  the  property  of  Eng- 
land. We  will  suppose  that  one-fourth  of  this  sum  has  been 
acquired  since  the  time  of  Cromwell,  when  England  owed 
nothing. 

Now,  what  is  one-fourth  of  80,000  millions? 


DESPOTISM.  21 

It  is  20,000  millions ! 

In  years  of  great  success  she  should  add  five  per  cent,  to 
her  whole  capital.  What  is  five  per  cent,  on  80,000  millions  ? 
It  is  4,000  millions  ! 

By  this  computation  we  are  able  to  form  some  idea  of  the 
real  wealth  of  England. 

No  person  can  contemplate  such  a  state  of  things  without 
surprise,  and  a  reflecting  man  asks,  how  such  a  state  of  things 
could  have  been  produced  ?  Was  not  England  constantly  en- 
gaged in  a  civil  or  continental  war?  War  at  home,  war 
abroad,  war  with  every  nation — where  was  the  money  obtain- 
ed that  supported  this  continental  war  ?  Was  it  robbed,  like 
Napoleon's,  from  conquered  nations  ?  No,  is  the  answer.  Do 
they  owe  a  single  dollar  to  any  nation  ?     No,  is  the  answer. 

France  has  twice  repudiated  her  whole  national  debt,  and 
the  United  States  once.  Has  England  ever  done  this  ?  No, 
is  the  answer. 

The  war  between  the  red  and  white  roses,  the  rival  houses 
of  two  of  their  greatest  nobles,  York  and  Lancaster,  for  the 
throne  of  England,  came  near  destroying  the  entire  nobility  of 
England.  Eighty  out  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  of  the  high- 
est nobles,  were  vnth  more  than  fifty  thousand  Englishmen 
destroyed,  and  more  than  half  this  number  were  murdered  in 
cold  blood,  no  quarter  being  given  on  either  side. 

More  recently,  in  Cromwell's  time,  and  in  the  civil  wars,  the 
destruction  of  lives  and  property  was  nearly  as  great.  The 
Erench  wars,  commencing  as  far  back  as  we  have  authentic 
history,  continued  till  Napoleon  was  expelled  from  France,  in 
1815.  War  with  Spain,  war  with  Holland,  war  with  India, 
war  with  all  the  Catholic  states,  seemed  perpetual.  But  how- 
ever exhausting  these  wars  had  been,  England  had  during 
their  existence  accumulated  a  mass  of  wealth  of  which  we  can 
form  no  conception.  Her  immense  public  works,  her  splendid 
churches,  her  immense  docks,  the  admiration  of  all  the  world, 


22  DESPOTISM. 

her  canals,  over  the  whole  kingdom,  her  one  thousand  armed 
ships,  her  merchant  vessels,  whitening  every  sea,  the  untold 
millions  loaned  to  every  foreign  nation,  hundreds  of  millions 
invested  in  the  stock  companies  of  the  United  States  and  in 
their  government  bonds  ! — The  amount  loaned  by  individuals 
to  the  enemies  of  England,  against  whom  they  were  fighting  ! 
— Que  hundred  millions  of  specie  in  the  Bank  of  England,  and 
as  much  more  in  all  the  other  banks  and  in  circulation,  were, 
with  numerous  other  items,  the  representatives  of  England's 
wealth.* 

The  short  story  which  we  propose  to  tell  opens  at  this 
time.  Mr.  Kogers  was  frequently  called  by  business  to  Dub- 
lin, Edinburgh,  Paris,  Hamburg,  and  Berlin.  At  Edinburgh 
he  was  introduced  to  the  ancient  family  of  Bruce,  the  descend- 
ants of  Kmg  Robert  Bruce. 

Mr.  J.  Bruce  was  the  father  of  five  children,  three  daugh- 
ters and  two  sons.  Grace  was  the  eldest  daughter.  To  a 
mind  of  unusual  brilliancy,  she  added  a  vivacity  that  charmed 
all  to  whom  she  was  introduced.  Grace  was  destined  to  take 
the  lead  of  a  circle  of  wealth  and  fashion  that  was  not  sur- 
passed in  any  city. 

Mr.  Eogers  made  frequent  visits  to  Edinburgh,  as  an  ad- 
mirer of  Grace,  but  as  yet  her  heart  had  not  yielded  to  either 
of  its  numerous  assailants.  These  visits  were  frequent,  and 
continued  for  some  years.     There  finally  seemed  a  change  in 

*  No  person  can  form  a  conception  of  the  rapid  increase  of  compound  interest,  who  is 
not  familiar  with  Mathematics.  Mr.  Price,  an  eminent  Mathematician  of  England,  esti- 
mated one  penny  put  out  at  compound  interest  at  the  birth  of  our  Savior,  to  be  worth 
in  1775,  1  800  times  the  whole  globe,  if  it  were  solid  gold  I  If  we  suppose  this  sum  to 
double  every  fifteen  years,  it  would  have  amounted  in  1790,  to  3,600  times  the  globe  of 
gold.  In  1S05,  it  would  have  amounted  to  7,200;  in  1820,  14,400  times;  and  in  1835,  to 
28,800  times,  and  in  1850,  to  57,600  times  the  solid  globe  of  gold  I  At  seven  per  cent,  one 
penny  would  be  worth  at  the  present  time  less  than  five  dollars. 

By  such  figures  we  are  able  to  form  some,  though  necessarily  a  very  inadequate  con- 
ception of  the  wealth  of  England,  and  can  estimate,  prospectively,  what  the  United 
States  are  to  be  when  as  old  as  England. 


DESPOTISM.  23 

the  mind  of  Grace.  Mr.  Rogers's  visits  were  more  frequent. 
One  suitor  after  another  retired  from  the  field,  and  left  him  in 
possession  of  the  hand  and  heart  of  the  most  beautiful  and 
accomplished  lady  in  Edinburgh.  They  were  married,  and 
soon  settled  in  London. 

This  period  was  not  only  the  most  prosperous,  but  it  was 
the  most  extravagant  in  the  history  of  England.  From  the 
rise  of  every  thing,  wealth  was  universally  diffused  ;  luxury 
took  possession  of  all  classes,  and  prudence  and  economy  were 
banished  from  the  nation.  Splendid  coaches,  splendid  houses, 
churches,  hotels,  splendid  equipages,  dresses,  parties,  were  the 
matters  for  discussion,  and  competition  was  beyond  all  pre- 
cedent. Wilh  the  advance  in  prices,  the  advance  in  salaries, 
the  advance  in  the  value  of  labor  in  all  its  forms,  were  the 
necessary  results.  Speculation  in  all  its  ramifications  was  ab- 
sorbing capital,  and  the  thoughts  of  the  rich,  and  those  who 
were  certain  to  become  rich.  No  scheme,  however  extrava- 
gant, was  rejected ;  nothing  was  asked  for,  in  many  cases,  but 
notes — and  who  could  not  give  them  ?* 

The  government  was  tinctured  with  the  mania,  and  although 
in  debt  4,000  millions  of  dollars,  and  paying  an  annual  inte- 
rest of  more  than  150  millions,  it  made  no  effort  to  reduce 
the  debt.f 

*  See  a  book  called  Mackay's  Popular  Delusions. 

■j-  The  question  is  often  asked,  ' '  What  is  the  largest  amount  to  which  the  debt  of  Eng- 
land can  be  carried  without  bankruptcy  f"  The  reply  cannot  be  very  definite,  but  we  may 
fairly  assume  that  she  can  nearly  double  her  present  debt,  and  continue  to  pay  her  inte- 
rest. Her  greatest  expenditure  was  in  the  year  ISlo,  and  amounted  to  131  millions  of 
pounds,  or  655  millions  of  dollars,  and  1,800,000  dollars  every  day  for  the  year.  The 
average  was  not  essentially  less  for  the  fifteen  years  of  Napoleon's  war.  During  the  late 
forty  years  of  peace,  about  two  thirds  of  her  revenue  has  been  absorbed  every  year  in 
paying  her  interest.  The  interest  on  her  debt  is  about  three  times  our  whole  annual 
expenditure.  One  of  her  largest  items  of  revenue  is  her  income  tax,  which  is  5  per  cent, 
in  time  of  peace,  and  10  per  cent,  in  time  of  war.  This  tax  is  assessed  on  every  man's 
yearly  income,  whether  it  be  salaries,  interest-money,  or  profits  of  business,  if  they 
amount  to  150  pounds. 


24  DESPOTISM. 

Mrs.  Rogers  was  beautiful,  but  her  lively  conversation  and 
her  brilliant  wit  were  the  charms  to  which  all  yielded  as  if  by 
fascination. 


Tea.  cofifee,  and  sugar,  which  in  the  United  States  are  free  of  duty,  are  taxed  largely 
in  time  of  peace,  and  doubled  in  time  of  war.  The  war  duty  on  every  article,  including 
spirits,  is  about  the  amount  for  which  the  same  article  is  retailed  in  the  United  States  I 
The  unavoidable  result  is,  that  every  imported  article  except  bread,  is  about  double  in 
England  that  it  is  in  this  country.  The  population  of  England,  Ireland,  Scotland  and 
Wales,  is  now  about  the  same  as  that  of  the  United  States,  but  in  ten  years  it  will  not  be 
more  than  three  fourths  of  ours  :  yet  the  revenue  that  she  is  compelled  to  raise  in  peace, 
is  five  times  as  much  as  ours,  and  in  the  present  war,  nearly  ten  times  as  much.  The 
revenue  is  not  raised  from  the  laboring  classes,  for  they  live  on  bread  and  potatoes,  but 
it  is  mainly  taken  from  the  pockets  of  the  rich. 

Here  is  her  safety. 

If  she  cannot  pay  her  interest  with  her  present  revenue,  she  must  add  to  all  her  taxes 
and  tariff,  till  she  pays  an  interest  on  double  her  present  debt.  The  national  debt  may 
be  regarded  as  the  accumulated  earnings  of  the  whole  nation  for  all  past  time  invested  in 
a  stock  company  :  and  the  government  may  be  called  the  President  and  Directors  of  the 
Corporation.  While  the  government  is  able  to  pay  the  interest  on  it,  the  national  debt 
is  available  to  every  individual  holder  exactly  the  same  as  if  it  were  gold.  Pitt  was  the 
only  man  who  could  have  carried  England  through  the  war  of  1800  to  1S15,  and  he  could 
not  have  borrowed  nearly  600  million  pounds  sterling  in  15  years,  if  he  had  not  established 
his  sinking  fund,  which  he  assured  the  capitalists  would,  by  the  power  of  magic,  pay  the 
whole  national  debt  by  the  year  1850.  The  sinking  fund  was  kept  in  operation  till  1832, 
and  then  entirely  abandoned,  and  the  debt,  of  course  no  man  expects  will  ever  be  paid. 

The  sinking  fund  was  obtained  by  paying  one  percent,  of  every  new  loan  in  the  hands 
of  the  commissioners  of  the  fund,  and  allowing  it  to  accumulate  ;  to  which  was  to  be 
added  an  annual  tax,  of  one  per  cent,  on  the  whole  amount  ot  the  national  debt.  Parliament 
found  it  unpopular  to  tax  tlie  country  so  largely  ;  and  they  have  now  enjoyed  40  years 
peace  without  reducing  their  debt. 

England  has  recently  borrowed  200  million  of  Dollars,  and  will  require  300  millions  more 
immediately.  During  her  darkest  hours  in  1814,  she  sold  her  own  bonds  for  140  pounds, 
and  received  in  cash  60  pounds  ;  as  soon  as  Napoleon  was  dethroned,  these  bonds 
advanced  to  par,  and  she  now  pays  two  pounds  for  every  one  borrowed. 

We  need  not  be  told,  that  an  individual  could  not  sustain  himself  one  day,  who  was  thus 
embarrassed. 

The  following  extract  is  from  the  Mercantile  Guide  and  Family  Journal  of  this  city. 

The  history  of  Great  Britain  is  suggestive  on  this  subject. 

From  the  battle  of  the  Boyne  to  the  battle  of  Waterloo,  England  had  scarcely  any  re- 
pose; if  she  rested  it  was  with  a  helmet  for  a  night-cap,  and  a  martial  cloak  around  her. 
During  this  period  she  "  carried  the  war"  into  Ireland,  Spain.  France,  Holland,  India, 
America,  and  out  of  the  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  years  that  spanned,  like  arches, 


DESPOTISM.  25 

Young  as  she  was,  her  name  had  preceded  her,  and  in  Lon- 
don she  was  already  sought  out  by  the  most  fashionable.  In 
Edinburgh  she  had  claimed  the  highest  honors  that  the  most 
brilliant  society  could  bestow. 


those  epochs,  th-ere  were  sixty  five  of  them  echoing  to  the  gurgling  of  blood,  and  sixty-two 
reflected  in   the  smooth,  unruffled  tide  of  peace. 

During  those  sixty-five  years  of  war  it  cost  England  an  expenditure  of  2,023  millions 
pounds  sterling,  and  the  National  Debt  saddled  on  the  country  during  the  same  period  was 
more  than  two  fifhs  that  amount,  there  being  borrowed  not  less  than  about  833  millions  ; 
of  thff  former  sum — 

Thirty  six  millions  went  in  th«  Revolutionary  war  which  brought  William  op  ORA^■GB 
to  the  throne  of  England — twenty  millions  were  borrowed  and  commenced  the  National 
Debt 

Sixty-two  millions  in  the  war  of  the  "  Spanish  Succession,"  from  May  4,  1702,  to  March 
13,  1713.    Thirty-two  and  a  half  millions  borrowed. 

Fifty-four  millions  in  the  " Spanish  War,"  from  October  23,  17S9,  to  April  30,  174S. 
Twenty-nine  millions  borrowed. 

One  hundred  and  twelve  millions  in  the  "  Seven  Years  War,"  from  June  9,  1756  to  the 
peace  of  Paris,  February  10,1763.    Sixty  millions  borrowed. 

One  hundred  ami  thirty-six  millions  in  the  American  War,  from  1774  to  the  peace  o( 
Paris.  November  30,  1782.     One  hundred  and  four  millions  borrowed. 

Four  hundred  and  sixty-four  millions  in  the  French  Revolutionary  War,  from  February 
I,  1793,  to  the  peace  of  Amiens,  1SU2.     Two  hundred  millions  borrowed. 

And  one  thousand  one  hundred  and  fifty  nine  millions  in  the  Bo:,apartb  War,  from 
April,  1803,  to  June  18,  1815.  Three  hundred  and  eighty-eight  millions  borrowed,  and 
seven  hundred  and  seventy-one  millions  raised  by  taxes. 

With  those  facts  and  '  hard  times,"  before  them— with  an  actual  outlay  already  of  more 
than  twenty-seven  millions,  and  a  prospect,  according  to  the  estimates  of  the  London 
Times,  of  a  further  outlay  of  forty  millions  before  next  Spring,  it  is  a  matter  of  deep  and 
overwiielming  anxiety  to  the  p&ypU  of  England — they  who  labor  for  little  to  pay  much— 
whether  taxation  is  not  tyranny  under  the  circumstances— whether  they  should  persist  in 
an  alliance  with  the  nephew  who  boasts  the  principles  of  that  uncle,  to  destroy  whom, 
more  tlian  one  thousand  millions  were  expended — millions  of  taxes— ground  out  of  their 
fathers,  and  loans  to  pay  the  Interest  on  which  Ihey,  themselves,  are  ground  and  taxed  to 
day — or  whether  the  costs  of  the  war  should  not  be  curtailed  by  ending  it. 

The  London  Times  chronicles  the  popular  dissatisfaction  and  gives  the  annexed  table 
showing  the  excess  of  the  costs  over  the  estimates  produced  last  Spring. 

Original  Estimates.  Actual  Charges.  Estimates  for 

1854-'5  1854-'5  1855-'6 

Army £6,287,436  £7,167  48ii  £18  721158 

Navy 7,487  948  10,417. yi9  107i6,:;;;2 

drdiruice 3,845,878  6986.6.2  7.8 '8  04 

Transport  (including  navy)  8,582,474  5,181,465 

Totals ....£17,621,312  £27,153,931  £37,4-7,0Uo 

2 


26  DESPOTISM. 

In  London  a  boundless  field  was  open  before  her.  If  any 
passion  was  stronger  tluiu  all  others  in  her  ardent  mind,  it 
was  the  love  of  display.  She  was  ever  looking  for  new  con- 
quests, and  ever  living  on  the  exquisite  pleasure  of  outdoing 
in  every  thing  those  with  whom  she  associated.  Edinburgh 
was  large,  but  London  was  larger.     Here  I  shall  find  a  wide 


From  these  figures,  we  think,  may  he  drawn  conclusions  of  no  small  weight.  It  ap- 
pears that  we  entered  upon  the  husiness  of  war  this  time  last  year  with  the  idea  that 
seventeen  millions,  upon  the  war  estimates  generally,  would  suffice  for  the  ends  in  view  ; 
that  these  sevente?nr  were  made  twenty  seven  before  the  twelvemonth  was  out  ;  and  that 
now,  though  at  this  time  last  year  the  first  division  of  our  expeditionary  army  had  but 
just  left  England,  the  amount  is  already  raised  to  thirty -seven.  If  we  look  a  little  more 
closely  at  the  sums  above  given,  we  shall  see  that  the  charges  for  the  army  and  ordnance 
have  in  each  case  been  more  than  doubkd — that  the  cost  of  the  navy  has  been  increased 
by  almost  fifty  per  cent,  and  that  a  new  charge — viz.;  that  for  the  transport  service — 
has  acquired  an  independent  form,  with  dimensions  almost  equal  to  those  of  the  whole 
naval  estimates  two  or  three  years  ago.  Altogether  we  shall  certainly  not  be  likely  to 
exaggerate  the  case  if  we  set  the  total  expenditure  upon  the  war  estimates  for  1855-'6  at 
forty  millions — in  other  words,  at  somethinglike  two-thirds  of  the  entire  revenue  of  the 
State. 

Tliese  are  formidable  figures  ;  and  thepeojile  of  England  may  certainly  be  excused  for 
becoming  uneasy  as  to  the  probable  result.  The  English  Government  cannot  afford  to 
increase  much  further  the  taxation  of  her  subjects.  The  times  are  not  favorable  for  such 
experiments  on  popular  endurance. 

The  following  is  from  the  same  paper. 

The  English  Parliament  discussed  and  accepted  the  budget  of  the  Chancellor  of  the  Exche- 
quer. The  chief  points  were  as  follows: — Tlie  existing  taxes  will  produce  £63,3^9.000,and  the 
public  necessities  amount  to  £SC,o."9.000,  for  the  lollowing  purposes: — Charge  for  the  debt 
(including  the  present  loan,)  £27, 974,000  ;  for  the  army,  £16, 214  477  ;  a  vote  of  credit 
for  do.,  £3,000,(00  :  for  the  navy,  £16  653,"  42  ;  for  the  ordnance,  £7.808  042;  for  the 
civil  service,  £60), 5. OJO  for  Sardinian  loan.  £1,003,000;  on  consolidated  fund  amount, 
£1,75)  CO);  to  replace  Savings  Bank  stock,  1,000,000,  margin  for  contin^'encies,  £4,400- 
000— Total,  £83.329.651.  The  deficiency  is.£23  000,000,  and  the  Chancellor  of  the  Exche- 
quer purposes  to  supply  it  from  the  following  sources  : — 3s.  additional  duty  per  cwt.  oa 
sugar,  estimated  to  yiold  £l,200,O)J  ;  Id  per  Id.  do.,  on  coffee,  £150,000;  3d.  per  lb.  do. 
on  tea,  £770 000:  Is.  IM.  additional  tax  on  Scotch  spirits,  and  2s  do.  on  Irish  spirits,  £],- 
000,000  ;  £1  per  cent  additional  on  income  tax,  £2,0(10,000  ;  Id.  on  bankers'  cheques 
£■-000,000— Total,  £5  OOO.OUO.. ..Messrs  Rothschild  had  taken  the  new  English  loan  of  £16,- 
000,000,  npon  a  basis  valuing  consols  at  80,  viz  :— at  £100  in  consols,  and  14s.  6d.  in  the 
shape  of  annuity,  terminable  in  thirty  years. 


DESPOTISM.  27 

field,  and  congenial  spirits.  The  contest  will  be  severe,  but 
victory  w\\\  be  mine.  There  are  proud  spirits  that  shall  be 
humbled,  or  I  shall  fail  of  the  success  that  has  heretofore  at- 
tended all  my  efFi^rts.  One  or  two  persons  may  prolong  the 
struggle,  but  if  I  cannot  rise  above  them  in  London,  other 
scenes  may  call  them  from  the  circles  in  which  my  supremacy 
shall  be  undisputed,  I  know  the  elements  on  which  lofty 
claims  are  founded.  I  know  the  power  of  wealth,  beauty, 
intellect.  I  know  what  fascination  is  ;  there  is  a  power  to 
which  all  yield.  There  is  a  power  that  shall  elevate  till  Am- 
bition has  no  more  to  ask. 

Mr.  Rogers  was  constantly  at  his  office,  and  Mrs.  Rogers 
was  the  manager  of  a  house  equal  in  splendor  to  any  in  Lon- 
don. Can  there  be  any  pleasure  equal  to  the  excitement  of 
balls  and  parties  in  this  great  city  ? 

I  will  enjoy  life  !  I  will  have  music,  dancing,  plays,  operas, 
concerts  !  I  will  have  men  of  brilliant  talents.  I  will  have 
men  of  soul-stirring  genius.  I  will  have  the  most  gay  and 
brilliant  that  London  can  display  to  the  admiring  world.  I 
will  have  all  who  can  add  charms  to  society — brilliant  and  in- 
tellectual— and  of  which  I  am  the  acknowledged  centre.  Talk 
not  to  me  of  domestic  claims  !  Of  the  poor  !  Of  charity,  in 
any  of  its  oflfensive  forms.  Leave  these  to  the  dull  advocates 
of  a  virtuous  life.  I  am  no  hypocrite  !  I  pretend  to  no  vir- 
tue !  Life  !  A  glorious,  brilliant  life  !  is  the  life  for  me  !  I 
shall  seek  enjoyment  in  life's  gayest  scenes.  One  constant 
scene  of  enjoyment  shall  fill  every  hour. 

I  will  have  a  party.  But  I  shall  invite  none  but  Countesses, 
Duchesses,  Dukes,  Earls,  Barons,  Viscounts — and  none  with- 
out a  title  Mdll  be  admitted.  I  may  invite  a  few  literary  per- 
sons. I  have  not  returned  half  my  calls,  and  I  will  not  invite 
them  at  this  time^  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 


28  DESPOTISM. 

How  large  a  party  do  you  intend  to  invite  ?  asked  Lady 
Bolinbrook. 

I  shall  not  limit  the  number— there  may  be  three,  four,  six, 
or  eight  hundred  persons,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Does  your  personal  acquaintance  include  so  many  ?  asked 
Lady  Bulinbrook. 

What  if  it  does  not  ?  Can  I  not  give  my  cards  to  my  friends 
for  distribution  ?  I  shall  fill  my  house,  and  that  you  know  is 
one  of  the  largest  in  London.  The  Duke  and  Duchess  of 
Marlboro,  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Devonshire,  and  Lord  Gros- 
venor,  have  engaged  themselves,  and  now  I  am  sure  of  having 
all  whom  I  may  please  to  invite.  Who  can  you  invite  that  I 
am  not  personally  acquainted  with  ?  Can  you  invite  the 
Eoyal  Dukes  ?  I  must  have  them  !  Without  them  I  cannot 
say  that  my  party  is  the  most  splendid  of  the  season.  I  do 
not  intend  that  any  Countess  shall  have  a  party  more  fashion- 
able than  mine,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

The  Duke  of  Marlboro  is  one  of  the  most  venerable  of  the 
English  nobility. 

The  Duke  of  Devonshire  has  an  income  of  $2,500,000,  and 
at  Chatsworth  Hall  he  has  given  parties  that  cost  more  than 
any  Sovereign  ever  gave.* 

*The  inequalities  of  fortunes  in  Englanri  is  an  interesting  chapter  Great  as  are  these  ine- 
qualities in  the  United  States,  they  are  infinitely  greater  in  Fng'anii.  Viscount  Cannin?, 
has  recently  been  appointed  governor  of  India,  with  a  salary  of  500,000  dollars  ;  Canning 
is  cousin  to  the  Duke  of  Portland,  brother  in  law  to  the  Duke  of  Clanricarde  ;  and 
married  the  daughter  of  Lord  Stuart  De  Roshay.  His  wife  is  a  lady  of  the  Queen's  bed- 
chamber. George  Canning,  the  eminent  Salesman  and  Orator,  and  father  of  the  present 
Viscount,  commenced  life  penniless,  but  in  ]799  he  married  Jean  Fcott,  whose  dowry  was 
more  than  one  mil'ion  of  dollars.  Miss  Scott  was  the  daughter  of  General  Scott  of  Balune, 
anil  nearly  related  to  the  Ducal  house  of  Buccleiugh. 

The  general  left  those  daughters  one  million  each,  on  the  condition,  that  they  should 
marry  a  commoner. 

Strangely  enough,  all  of  them  became  peeresses !  one  married  the  Duke  of  Portland, 
another  Lord  Doune  and  the  youngest  George  Canning.  The  testamental  penalty  imposed 
by  the  father  was  never  enforced. 


DESPOTISM.  29 

Lord  Grosvenor,  on  the  rural  banks  of  the  Dee  at  Eaton 
Hall,  has  given  entertainments  to  the  Kings  and  Queens  of 
half  Europe.     Ilis  income  is  one  million  of  dollars  annually. 


The  third  sister  who  married  a  commoner,  re-bestowed  on  her  two  sisters  the  two  mil- 
lions tliat  fell  to  her. 

Parliament  admired  her  devotion  to  her  sisters,  and  raised  her  loan  equality  with  them 
by  creating  her  a  countess  in  her  own  right 

With  the  title  of  countess  she  received  a  pension  of  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  which  at 
her  death  was  the  inheritance  of  the  present  Viscount. 

The  profits  of  office  in  various  ways,  are  in  England  supposed  to  be  equal  to  the  salary, 
and  estimated  on  this  basis,  the  Viscount's  yearly  income  will  be  one  million  dollars. 

The  yearly  salary  of  the  Queen  of  England,  is  three  millions  of  dollars,  and  Albert  has 
half  a  million  for  various  offices, 

As  a  contrast  to  these  English  salaries,  they  have  numerous  insfances  of  abject  property 
succeeding  boundless  wealth. 

We  copy  the  following  from  the  Mercantile  Guide,  and  Family  Journal. 

There  is  a  family  in  humble  circumstances  as  Ketterin  j,  bearing  the  ancient  royal 
name  of  Plantage.vet,  though  now  it  is  commonly  corrupted  into  Plant,  we  suppose  for 
the  sake  of  brevity.  There  is  also  living  in  the  town  the  widow  of  a  baronet,  who  earns 
a  precarious  livelihood  at  washing  and  charing.  She  is  sometimes  facetiously  called 
"  My  Lady."  Her  late  hnsband's  grandfather.  Sir  Jonx  Norwich,  lobt  a  large  estate 
through  life  and  was  afterwards  pensioned  by  the  Duke  of  Montague,  and  his  son,  the 
last  Sir  Joh.v,  was  so  poor  that  be  died  in  the  parish  workhouse,  leaving  nothing  but  the 
barren  title  to  the  late  William  Norwich,  who  followed  the  humble  occupation  of  a  saw- 
yer. His  son,  the  present  Sir.  WiLiiiM,  emigrated  some  years  since  to  America,  where  it 
is  said  he  is  doing  well. 

The  widow  of  the  late  Admiral  Boxer  is  now  suffering  from  a  most  dire  accnmulatioa 
of  misfortunes  ;  the  first  of  these  was  the  death  from  clidlera  of  her  nephew,  at  BalaUlava. 
This  was  followed  by  the  decease  from  the  same  causp,  of  her  hushaud.  The  next  intel- 
ligence she  received  was  to  the  efffct  that  her  house  in  th"  country  had  been  burnt  to  tlie 
ground.  Scarcely  had  she  been  made  acquainted  with  this  fact,  when  the  f.+ilnre  of 
Messrs.  Strahan's  bank  deprived  her  of  anamount  of  not  less  than  thirty  thousan<l  pounds  ; 
and  to  crown  all  her  misery,  she  has  now  a  son  before  Sebastopol,  who,  it  is  expected,  can- 
not long  survive. 

The  Queen  has  invited  the  widow  to  occupy,  for  the  present,  one  of  her  palaces. 

The  salaries  of  the  British  executive  government  officers  .stood  .as  follows  on 
this  day; — Queen,  royal  family  and  appurtenances,  £699,165.  The  Cabinet — 
First  Lord  of  the  Treasury.£5,00n  :  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer,  £5.000:  Home 
Secretary,  £5,000:  Foreign  Secretary,  L5,000;  Colonial  gecretary,  L5.000; 
Secretary  at-War,  L2,4S0  ;  First  Lord'of  the  Admiralty,  L4,.^00;  Lord  Ch:incel. 
lor  (including  his  salary  as  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Lords),  L  14,000  ;  Lord  Pre- 
sident of  the  Council,  L2,000  ;  Lord  Privy  Seal,  L2,000 ;  Chancelor  of  the  Dnehy 
of  Lancaster,  L4, 000  ;  Chief  Commissioner  of  Woods  and  Forests,  L2,f'0l)  ;  Pre- 
sident of  the  Board  of  Trade,  L5,000  ;  Postmnster  General,  L2,5000;  President 

of  the  Board  of  Control,  T  3,500 The    directors  of  the  Catholic  University 

of  Ireland  published  the  following  statement  of  accounts  : — That  in.stitution  has 
already  obtained  funds  amounting  to  above  L58,0(!0,  of  which  L27,600  was  con- 
tributed in  Ireland,  L4,100  in  England  and  Scotland,  and  LI 6  200  in  the  United 
States  of  America.  Of  this  amount  nearly  L47,000  is  lodged  in  government  stock 
and  other  funds. 


30  DESPOTISM. 

I  can  invite  the  Royal  Dukes,  and  seventy-five  or  a  hundred 
of  the  oldest  families  of  the  nobility,  said  Lady  Bolinbrook. 

Who  will  they  be  ?  asked  Mrs.  Eogers. 

The  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Argyle,  Lord  and  Lady  Maw- 
bry,  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Sutherland,   Lord  and  Lady  Parr. 

The  Duke  of  Sutherland  is  a  direct  descendant  from  Henry 
VII.  His  illustrious  ancestors  were  the  Duke  of  Suffolk, 
Earl  of  Cumberland,  Earl  Derby,  Earl  of  Bridgwater,  Duke 
of  Bolton,  Duke  of  Bedford,  Marquis  of  Stafford,  Duke  of 
Kingston,  and  more  than  twenty  others  of  the  highest  nobility. 

Thomas  Parr,  I  will  invite.  He  bears  the  ancient  coat. of 
arms  of  the  Parrs  of  Kendall,  and  in  an  escutcheon,  the  arms 
of  Waller  in  right  of  his  wife  Katherine,  daughter  and  co- 
heir of  the  late  Eobert  Waller,  Esq.  in  the  E.  N.  The  Parrs 
of  Lithw^ood  descend  from  the  younger  branch  of  the  family 
of  Parrs  of  Kendall,  whose  representative  Henry  VIIL  was 
Parr,  the  celebrated  Marquis  of  Northampton,  brother  of 
Queen  Katherine  Parr.  I  shall  invite  no  person  without  con- 
suiting  Burke's  Heraldic  Illustrations,  said  Lady  Bolinbrook. 

Lady  Bolinbrook,  will  you  call  with  me  on  Lady  McAlis- 
ter  ?  She  is  a  connection  of  mine  by  the  Bruces,  said  Mrs. 
Eogers, 

Tell  me  in  what  way,  said  Lady  Bolinbrook. 

Charles  Somerville  McAlister  Leupp,  commandant  of  the 
first  Eegiment  of  Ayrshire  militia,  deputy  lieutenant  of  the 
county,  chief  of  clan  Alister  of  Kentyre,  churns  to  represent 
the  most  ancient  Lord  of  the  Isles  as  true  descendant  and  heir 
male  of  Alexander  Alister,  eldest  son  of  Agnes  Mor,  Lord  of 
the  Isles  of  Kentyre,  son   of  Eobert  Bruce,  who  died  A.  D. 

1284. 

Alexander  acquired  a  considerable  addition  to  his  territo- 
ries by  marriage  with  one  of  the  daughters  and  heiress  of  Ed- 
win de  Ergdid ;  but  having  espoused  the  cause  of  Baliol  in 
opposition  to  the  claims  of  Bruce,  he  was  finally  subdued  by 


DESPOTISM.  31 

the  King,  imprisoned  in  Dundonald  Castle,  and  his  posses- 
sions bestowed  on  his  brother  Angus  Og,  who  had  from  the 
first  supported  the  cause  of  Bruce. 

The  present  Lord  bears  a  quartered  coat  by  first,  and  fourth 
McAlister  ancient,  second  McAlister  modern,  third  Somer- 
ville. 

Now  turn  your  eye.  and  you  will  see  that  his  coat  of  arras 
is  the  same  as  mine  hanging  on  that  wall.  There  is  not  the 
slightest  variation  !  This  will  satisfy  you  and  the  nobility,  I 
hope,  that  I  stand  in  no  respect  below  the  highest  peeress  in 
England,  said  Mrs.  Eogers. 

Mr.  Eogers,  I  will  engage  to  fill  your  bouse  with  the  high- 
est nobility.  Did  any  of  the  Leupps  settle  in  America,  and 
found  a  wealthy  family  ?  asked  Lady  Bolinbrook. 

One  of  them  did  remove  to  America,  and  the  descendants 
at  New  York  are  among  their  most  wealthy  and  most  liberal 
patrons  of  the  fine  arts,  and  possess  the  most  correct  taste  of 
any  amateurs  in  any  country.  Can  you  invite  the  Duke  and 
Duchess  of  Northumberland,  and  the  Fitzwilliams,  and  the 
Duke  of  St.  Albans  ?  The  Duke  of  St.  Albans  and  the  Fitz- 
williams belong  to  the  nobility,  but  they  are  descendants  of 
the  famous  actress,  Nell  Gwynne,  who  was  one  of  the  four  left- 
handed  wives  of  that  miserable  Catholic  Charles  the  Second. 
You  can  see  the  pictures  of  the  four  now  in  the  Palace  of  St. 
James.  They  reflect  a  disgrace  upon  their  age,  the  nation, 
and  their  religion.  But  what  do  I  care  for  that  ?  The  rigidly 
virtuous  ladies  of  these  pious  times  would  not  enter  a  room 
where  they  were,  but  you  are  not  so  troubled  with  strait-laced 
virtue.  For  my  part  I  intend  to  bid  defiance  to  public  senti- 
ment. I  do  not  care  whom  I  admit  nor  what  may  be  said  by 
the  censorious,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

I  always  prefer  to  consult  public  sentiment  in  all  these  mat- 
ters of  taste.  I  do  think  the  world  is  a  very  little  better  than 
it  was  in  the  time  of  Charles  the  Second.     Ladies  you  know 


32  DESPOTISM. 

were  never  guilty  of  doing  any  thing  so  vulgar  as  to  visit  with 
their  own  husbands ;  every  woman  had  her  own  Catholic  at- 
tendant. A  Catholic  age  was  an  age  of  great  demoralization. 
I  shall  fill  your  house  with  the  oldest  nobility,  said  Lady 
Bolinbrook. 

I  wish  to  make  a  single  remark  to  you  in  confidence.  I 
have  met  in  all  the  balls  and  parties  that  I  have  attended,  two 
girls  who  by  their  talents  and  the  position  that  they  occupy, 
annoy  me  exceedingly,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Who  are  they  ?  asked  Lady  Bolinbrook. 

One  is  Miss  Mitford,  daughter  of  Sir  Hubert  Mitford,  the 
richest  banker  in  London.  The  other  is  Eugenia,  the  daugh- 
ter of  the  Spanish  minister,  whose  wealth  is  beyond  any  pos- 
fible  estimate.  These  girls  are  the  most  popular  and  the  most 
annoying  to  me  of  any  in  London.  It  cannot  be  denied  that 
they  are  the  centre  around  which  revolve  the  most  brilliant 
circle  of  our  brilliant  city.  Can  they  be  disposed  of?  asked 
Mrs.  Rogers. 

Disposed  of!  What  do  you  mean  by  that  question  ?  asked 
Lady  Bolinbrook. 

Disposed  of?     That  is  married,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Then  marrying  you  call  disposing  of  girls,  do  you  ?  asked 
Lady  Bolinbrook. 

Certainly ;  it  is  getting  rid  of  them  and  placing  them  out 
of  the  way.  The  immense  wealth  of  the  parents  of  these  girls 
brings  around  them  numerous  suitors,  but  they  are  all  rejected. 
These  girls  are  romantic,  and  say  they  will  select  their  own 
lovers,  and  run  away  with  them  if  opposed  by  their  pnrents. 
Now  I  wish  to  have  them  introduced  at  my  party,  and  at  the 
other  parties  at  which  we  meet,  to  young  men  without  pro- 
})erty,  but  of  the  highest  personal  attractions.  I  cannot  think 
of  their  marrying  men  of  great  wealth,  for  they  would  still  be 
in  my  way,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

This  is  delicate  business ;  but  the  high  regard  that  I  feel 


DESPOTISM.  33 

for  you  will  induce  me  to  do  all  that  I  can  to  oblige  you. 
The  influence  that  I  nnay  exert  will  depend  entirely  on  my 
own  views,  and  the  only  condition  on  which  I  shall  consent  to 
act  in  this  delicate  matter,  is  that  you  shall  leave  me  entirely 
free.  I  do  know  two  or  three  young  men  of  great  eminence 
in  the  fashionable  world,  who  are  without  property,  and 
will  invite  them  to  your  party,  where  we  will  discuss  this  busi- 
ness again,  said  Lady  Bolinbrook. 

Cards  were  distributed.  The  excitement  in  the  upper  cir- 
cles of  London  was  never  greater.  The  evening  was  placed 
at  so  distant  a  date  as  to  secure  a  prior  invitation  to  every 
family  of  high  pretensions.  Those  who  were  not  invited  were 
variously  affected  :  some  contemplated  a  social  w:ir — some 
were  deeply  mortified — some  sought  the  intercession  of  friends, 
and  did  not  hesitate  to  set  forth  their  high  claims  to  the  first 
rank.  War,  open,  undisguised  war,  in  some  of  the  cliqties,  is 
the  never  failing  result  of  the  appearance  of  any  new  aspirant 
to  fame  and  fashion  at  the  west  end  of  London. 

The  night  arrived.  The  carnages  with  four  and  six  horses 
and  powdered  footmen  in  livery,  were  setting  down  the  gay 
company.  Such  a  gay  scene  had  not  been  displayed  in  London 
for  many  years. 

Among  others  there  were  present  the  Duke  and  Duchess  of 
Marlboro,  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Devonshire,  Lord  Grosvenor, 
Duke  and  Duchess  of  Argyle,  Royal  Duke  of  Clarence  and 
three  brothers.  Lord  and  Lady  Mowbray,  Duke  and  Duchess 
of  Sutherland,  Lord  and  Lady  Parr,  Duke  of  Albans,  the 
Spanish  minister  and  his  daughter  Eugneia,  General  McDonald, 
Rev.  Mr.  Wiseman,  Rev.  Mr.  Newman,  Bishop  lleber,  Lord 
Byron,  Pitt,  Burke,  Dr.  Robinson,  Hartlay  of  the  cabinet,  Sir 
Wm.  Jones,  Lord  and  Lady  Bolinbrook,  Mr.  Mitford,  Miss 
Mitford,  Mr.  Wiggin,  Lord  Ashburton,  Dr.  McNevin,  Lord 
Fitzgerald,  O'Connor,  Emmet,  Mr.  Pinckney,  J.  Q.  Adams. 

The  nobility  were  constantly  giving  large  parties  ;  but  more 
*2* 


84  DESPOTISM. 

frequently  levees  which  were  attended  with  less  ceremony, 
and  were  more  agreeable  to  the  taste  of  the  literary  part  of 
the  circle.  To  the  levees  an  invitation  was  personally  given, 
but  to  the  parties  cards  were  invariably  distributed. 

General  McDonald  will  you  allow  me  to  introduce  you  to 
Mrs.  Rogers  ?  The  Gen.  commands  the  Scotch  Grays,  and 
we  feel  a  deep  interest  in  everything  Scotch,  said  Lady  Bolin- 
brook. 

General  McDonald  I  am  pleased  to  see  you  at  my  house;  I 
shall  depend  on  cultivating  your  acquaintance.  You  know,  I 
suppose,  that  I  am  Scotch.  I  am  sure  I  ought  to  like  my  own 
countrymen,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Mrs.  Rogers,  who-is  that  gay  girl  in  conversation  with  that 
reverend  gentleman  ?  asked  General  McDonald. 

That  is  Eugenia,  daughter  of  the  Spanish  minister;  she  is 
only  sixteen,  and  is  as  gay  a  girl  as  you  ever  saw.  She  talks 
that  most  musical  of  all  languages,  the  Spanish,  and  she  talks 
English,  at  least  as  well  as  we  Scotch,  and  is  the  most  fasci- 
nating creature  you  ever  saw.  I  shall  introduce  you  when 
you  are  both  disengaged.  She  is  related  to  the  Queen,  and  to 
the  richest  nobles  in  Spain  ;  and  you  know  that  since  the 
conquest  of  Me.xico,  the  Spanish  nobility  have  been  the  richest 
in  the  world.  Her  father  owns  the  Yalincona  mines  of  Mexi- 
co. Her  grandfather  w^as  a  Spaniard  who  visited  Mexico,  in 
early  life,  and  acquired  an  immense  fortune  ;  his  name  was 
Obrigon.  He  begged  and  borrowed,  and  toiled  incessantly, 
for  eleven  years,  till  he  came  at  length  upon  the  great  vein 
which  for  years  yielded  two  and  one  half  million  of  dollars 
annually.  There  is  not  a  family  in  Europe  of  higher  preten- 
sions to  wealth  and  talent,  and  she  is  an  only  daughter,  said 
Mrs.  Rogers,  as  she  turned  from  the  general  and  was  joined 
by  the  Duke  of  St.  Albans. 

j\Irs.  Rogers,  what  is  the  name  of  that  lovely  girl  in  conver- 
sation with  your  husband,  asked  the  Duke  of  St.  Albans. 


DESPOTISM.  35 

That  is  Miss  Mitford,  the  daughter  of  Sir  Herbert  Mitford, 
the  rich  banker.  She  is  a  great  favorite  of  mine,  and  beside 
all  other  qualities  is  a  great  scholar  and  will  be  a  literary- 
genius.  Her  father  is  the  government  banker,  and  probably 
the  richest  banker  in  England.  I  shall  introduce  you  to  her, 
said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

I  shall  consider  it  a  great  favor  if  you  will,  said  the  Duke. 

Miss  Mitford  I  wiU  introduce  you  to  the  Duke  of  St  Albans, 
eaid  Mrs.  Eog-ers. 

The  Duke  bowed  gracefully. 

Miss  Mitford,  I  am  informed  by  Mrs.  Rogers  that  you  are 
a  great  reader,  said  the  Duke. 

Then  Mrs.  Rogers  has  misled  you,  for  I  am  not  a  great 
reader.  I  do  read.  Some  authors  I  am  fond  of  reading,  said 
Miss  Mitford. 

History  I  suppose  is  your  favorite  study,  said  the  Duke. 

I  am  fond  of  poetry.  I  read  Milton,  Shakespeare,  and 
Homer,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

What  translation  of  Homer  do  you  prefer.  Pope's  or  Cow- 
per's?  asked  the  Duke. 

I  do  not  read  either,  I  prefer  the  original,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

Do  you  ever  read  Dryden  ?  I  regard  him  as  the  founder 
of  our  poetry,  said  the  Duke. 

I  do  not  regard  him  as  any  such  thing — and  if  I  were  to,  I 
would  not  read  a  word  that  he  ever  wrote,  said  Misa  Mitford. 

"What  is  your  objection  to  a  writer  of  such  eminence  ?  I 
think  it  was  Addison  who  said  that  if  we  would  command  the 
most  beautiful  style,  we  must  give  our  days  and  nights  to 
Dryden,  said  the  Duke. 

Dryden  wrote  the  Hind  and  the  Panther,  and  that  is  enough 
for  me  to  condemn  him,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

I  know  he  did,  but  he  also  wrote  a  great  many  other  poetic 
■works ;  he  certainly  was  regarded  as  the  pioneer  of  our  poe- 
try, said  the  Duke. 


36  DESPOTTSST, 

He  may  have  been  the  pioneer,  but  I  will  never  read  any  of 
his  works.  This  contest  between  Catholics  and  Protestants 
has  been  warm  enough  without  the  aid  of  poetic  fiction,  to  set 
on  fire  all  the  worst  passions  of  the  human  heart,  said  Miss 
Mitford. 

Do  you  think  that  Dryden  commenced  that  celebrated  poem 
with  a  desire  to  make  proselytes  to  Popery  ?  asked  the  Duke, 

I  do  not  think  any  thing — I  know.  He  was  a  Protestant — 
an  open,  professed  Protestant — up  to  the  time  that  he  com- 
menced that  poem,  and  he  was  well  rewarded  for  his  perform- 
ance. No  proselyte  to  a  new  religion  ever  made  so  good  a 
bargain.  But,  my  Lord,  I  am  no  sectarian  ;  and  if  I  were, 
this  is  no  place  to  discuss  religion  or  politics.  At  my  father's 
house  I  shall  not  hesitate  to  defend  my  faith  from  the  attacks 
of  Catholics  or  infidels,  but  at  this  moment  I  have  other  mat- 
ters of  deeper  interest  to  discuss,  said  Miss  Mitford, 

I  shall  be  pleased  to  discuss  any  subject  with  you,  Miss 
Mitford  ;  but  you  know  my  connections  were  Catholics,  and 
I  have  a  profound  respect  for  the  religion  in  which  they  lived 
and  died.  I  may,  however,  change  my  views.  You  have 
alluded  to  other  business  :  is  it  of  a  nature  that  I  can  be  in- 
trusted to  participate  in  it  ?  asked  the  Duke. 

Yon  certainly  can  aid  me,  if  you  are  so  disposed.  Some' 
years  ago  I  called  at  a  house  in  which  I  had  been  informed 
were  then  living  two  boys  and  one  girl,  in  a  destitute  condi- 
tion. I  took  charge  of  the  girl,  and  obtained  for  the  boys  the 
kind  care  of  a  friend.  The  girl  is  now  fourteen  years  of  age, 
and  has  been  taught  by  myself  alone  :  she  is  an  unusually 
good  scholar,  and  as  lovely  a  girl  as  ever  lived.  My  father, 
you  know,  is  rich,  but  I  am  not  willing  to  ask  for  all  the 
money  that  her  necessities  demand,  and  I  resolved  to  write  a 
play  and  have  it  performed  before  our  friends  only.  You 
will  excuse  my  introducing  this  to  you  so  abruptly,  but  you 
know  that  yuu  stand  god-father  for  all  plans  of  benevoleace. 


DESPOTISM.  37 

What  do  you  say  ?  will  you  take  a  part  in  my  new  play? 
asked  Miss  Mitford. 

With  all  ray  heart,  said  the  Duke. 

I  have  exerted  myself  to  portray  the  passions,  and  am  impa- 
tient to  hear  the  opinion  of  my  friends,  as  to  my  success.  I 
know  Mr.  Gifford  will  not  approve  of  any  play  that  I  can 
write,  but  I  look  to  you  for  a  candid  criticism,  said  Miss  Mit- 
ford. 

Miss  Mitford,  I  am  pleased  to  do  anything  that  charity 
suggests,  and  still  more  pleased  to  do  what  you  may  desire. 
What  play  have  you  written  ?  Is  it  tragedy,  or  comedy,  his- 
torical or  one  of  imagination  ?  Is  the  scene  in  England,  or 
on  the  Continent  ?  asked  the  Duke. 

I  have  written  a  play  that  I  call  Rienzi,  and  I  have  another 
nearly  written,  called  Julian.  Here  is  a  copy  of  Eienzi. 
Will  you  be  prepared  on  Wednesday  evening  next,  at  my 
father's  house  ?  asked  Miss  Mitford. 

I  will,  said  the  Duke. 

I  do  admire  the  drama  !  I  envy  those  men  of  genius 
who  have  created  perfect  impersonations  of  all  the  sentiments, 
all  the  passions,  and  all  the  virtues  of  a  beautiful  life.  How 
glorious  it  must  be  to  those  who  have  the  power,  to  give  to 
every  virtue  a  local  habitation,  and  to  invest  the  form  with  a 
life  that  shall  charm  the  world  of  intellect.  But  few  can  look 
deep  into  the  human  heart,  and  see  its  secret  springs  of  action. 
But  few  can  look  high  enough  to  gaze  on  perfect  images  of 
Heavenly  goodness.  But  few  can  glance  from  Heaven  to  earth, 
from  earth  to  Heaven,  and  body  forth  the  perfect  image  of  a 
god-like  creation,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

You  will  excuse  me.  Miss  Mitford,  but  I  do  think  your 
genius,  your  enthusiasm,  are  to  do  honor  to  our  literature. 
May  it  not  be  that  you  will  give  to  your  country  works  of 
genius,  that  will  be  read  three  centuries  hence,  as  plays  are 
now  read  and   performed  that  were  written  three  hundred 


38  DESPOTISM. 

years  ago.  I  may  be  singular,  but  I  do  not  admit  that  any 
effort  of  the  intellect  was  ever  made  that  will  not  be  frequently 
equalled,  and  occasionally  surpassed.  The  world  is  progres- 
sive. Veneration  for  antiquity  is  fust  wearing  out.  There  is 
not  a  name,  however  venerated,  that  will  not  be  thrown  into 
the  shade  by  the  intellect  of  this  and  the  coming  age.  Boys 
will  teach  astronorhy,  the  sublimity  of  which  is  not  now  com- 
prehended by  our  greatest  intellects.  Some  person  will  arise 
to  dispute  with  Newton  the  claim  to  inspiration.  Language, 
under  some  man  of  great  genius,  will  receive  a  polish  and  a 
perfection  of  which  the  ancient  languages  could  not  boast. 
Poetry  written  by  some  future  poets,  will  charm  the  imagina- 
tion with  increased  power. 

History  written  by  some  future  historian,  and  biography  by 
genius  surpassing  all  ancient  writers,  will  show  the  vast  capac- 
ity of  a  language  enriched  by  several  arts,  inventions,  and  dis- 
coveries of  which  Catholic  ages  never  would  have  formed  a 
conception.  Some  eminent  American  will  arise  to  guide, 
by  his  wisdom,  a  nation  to  wealth  and  to  greatness,  on 
which  the  sovereigns  of  Europe  will  look  with  profound  ad- 
miration. Steam,  magnetism,  and  electricity,  will  change  the 
fate  of  the  world.  Who  can  say  that  some  ingenious  American 
will  not  by  the  aid  of  science  enable  us  to  hear  from  that  place, 
called  the  United  States,  the  land  of  Washington,  in  twenty- 
four  hours  ?  Any  thing  is  possible  with  those  scientific  men. 
Who  knows  that  some  benefactor  of  the  world  in  that  land  of 
genius,  and  of  virtue,  shall  not  discover  an  antidote  for  all 
the  pains  that  are  not  self  inflicted  ?  Some  mechanic,  surpass 
ing  all  others  in  the  old  and  new  world,  may  invent  a  printing 
press  and  dispense  with  the  lever,  then  we  can  print  as  fast  as 
thought  can  conceive,  or  the  lips  of  eloquence  can  utter.  An 
intellectual  man  will  then  live  longer  in  twenty  years,  than 
our  old  philosophic  sages  lived  in  a  life  time.  Nothing  will 
then   be   worth,  readini^:,  or  referring  to.  that  is  more  than 


DESPOTISM.  39 

twenty  years  old.  A  man  of  the  past  ages  and  his  works, 
will  command  no  more  respect  than  Catholic  saints,  and  will 
be  thrown  with  them  among  the  lumber  of  a  forgotten  and  a 
useless  age.  The  infancy  of  the  races  was  passed  in  igno- 
rance, and  the  mind  was  incapable  of  comprehending  the  great 
purpose  for  which  it  was  created,  said  the  Duke. 

I  agree  with  you.  There  is  no  limit  to  the  far  seemg  eye 
of  science.  It  grasps  the  knowledge  of  all  worlds,  and  renders 
the  voice  of  the  Deity  intelligible  to  men.  All  the  great  men 
of  the  world  will  be  found  in  a  few  years  in  that  country 
that  will  expel  by  law,  an  obnoxious  class  of  immoral  and 
highly  criminal  men.  The  Greeks  and  Eomans  had  a  debasing 
mythology  and  with  the  Catholics  had  numerous  Gods,  to 
whom  they  paid  divine  honors  and  directed  their  prayers. 
Does  not  all  the  world  regard  this  as  idoltary  ?  The  Popes, 
like  Joshua,  commanded  the  world  to  stand  still !  The  few 
scientific  men  who  appeared  in  Catholic  countries  were  burnt 
at  the  stake.  More  has  been  done  within  the  last  fifty  years, 
than  the  whole  Catholic  world  for  all  past  time  has  accom- 
plished. Twenty-five  millions  of  people  are  now  free  from 
Catholic  bondage,  and  to  preserve  their  freedom  will  expel 
every  dogma  and  every  believer  in  a  dogma.  Who  shall  tell 
ns  that  the  revelations  of  science  and  virtue,  may  not  satisfy 
an  enlightened  world  that  vice,  sickness,  suffering,  despair  and 
early  death,  are  not  natural  evils,  but  are  self  inflicted  ? 
When  dogmas,  and  the  views  with  which  they  are  associated 
are  expelled,  virtue  and  its  blessings  will,  for  the  first  time,  be 
fairly  tested.  Some  Peter  the  Hermit,  or  some  Coeur  de 
Lion,  may  preach  a  crusade  that  will  awake  the  world  against 
views  no  longer  to  be  tolerated.  The  night  of  Catholic  dark- 
ness is  passed,  and  the  priests  no  longer  hold  the  minds  of 
men  in  their  own  debasing  ignorance,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

Light  now  breaks  in  to  cheer,  to  enlighten,  to  charm  the  world 


40  DESPOTISM. 

of  intellect,  and  you  shall  lead  us  to  great  achievements,  said 
the  Duke  as  he  turned  from  Miss  Mitford. 

The  Reverend  Mr.  Wiseman  approached  Miss  Mitford  and 
bowed.  Miss  Mitford,  Mrs.  Rogers'  party  is  much  larger 
than  any  that  I  have  attended  this  season.  I  suppose  that 
your  friends  heard  that  you  were  to  be  here,  said  Mr.  Wise- 
man. 

I  do  not  suppose  any  such  thing.  I  do  not  suppose  that 
they  heard  that  either  of  us  were  to  be  here.  But  I  do  sup- 
pose that  it  was  a  matter  of  deeper  interest  to  the  charitable 
and  the  good,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

What  was  it,  Miss  Mitford  ?    asked  Mr.  Wiseman. 

You  know,  Mr.  Wiseman,  that  there  are  two  classes  of  people 
in  the  world,  the  liberal  and  the  selfish.  If  you  ask  of  the 
public  time  and  money  for  the  good  of  others,  one  class  will 
respond  to  your  call,  the  other  will  spend  their  last  dollar  in 
frivolous  amusements,  but  will  give  you  nothing.  You,  Mr. 
Wiseman,  are  a  preacher  of  the  gospel ;  if  you  wish  to  assist  a 
charitable  object  do  you  not  feel  compelled  to  start  some 
meeting,  some  lecture,  some  exhibition,  some  opera,  or  play, 
to  accomplish  your  object  ?  You  do  not  find  the  world  to 
give  for  charity  alone  to  any  extent,  do  you  ?  asked  Miss 
Mitford. 

I  do  not ;  but  I  do  not  on  that  account  pronounce  the 
■world  selfish  ;  it  is  creditable  to  our  nature  that  they  respond 
to  the  calls  of  charity  in  any  shape  in  which  it  may  be  pre- 
sented. I  know  why  Mrs.  Rogers'  friends  are  here  in  such 
large  numbers,  but  your  personal  friends  outnumber  them. 
Among  your  friends  I  see  many  of  the  most  talented,  and 
most  charitable  ;  and  among  hers  I  see  all  the  most  wealthy 
nobility,  said  Mr.  Wiseman. 

You  know  that  for  years  I  have  had  under  my  charge  a 
girl  whom  you  have  heard  me  call  Vic.  You  know  that  I 
have  educated  her.     Her  necessities  at  this  moment  call  for 


DESPOTISM,  41 

more  money  than  I  have  in  my  purse,  and  I  propose  to  re- 
plenish it  by  performing  my  play  of  Eienzi.  I  have  notified 
my  personal  friends  of  this  circumstance,  and  have  asked  some 
of  them  to  take  parts.  The  Duke  of  St.  Albans  has  responded 
to  my  call,  and  I  expect  Eugenia,  Mrs.  Opie,  Lady  Alice 
Spencer,  Lady  Elizabeth  Cavendish,  and  Ida  Byron  and 
others,  to  take  parts.  Vic  is  a  lovely  girl,  and  is  talented  and 
will  be  a  beauty.  I  cannot  but  feel  a  strong  desire  to  see  her 
successful ;  she  may  yet  equal  her  mother  and  reflect  credit  on 
us  all.  You  will  I  know  assist  us.  I  have  not  forgotten  that 
you  are  a  minister,  but  we  are  doing  a  good  act  are  we  not  ? 
asked  Miss  Mitford. 

Miss  Mitford,  can  you  ask  me  to  perform  a  part  in  a  play  ? 
Amateur  you  call  it,  but  it  is  still  a  play.  I  am  a  minister 
you  know,  and  I  cannot  do  it  without  severe  censure  from  the 
world  !  I  should  have  been  pleased  to  comply  with  any  re- 
quest, Emily,  that  was  consistent  with  my  sacred  calling.  But 
do  you  think  that  I  could  escape  the  censure  of  the  prying, 
inquisitive,  and  faultfinding  world  ?  asked  Mr.  Wiseman. 

I  think  nothing  about  it !  It  is  for  your  own  feelings  to 
determine  what  you  shall  do.  You  will  oblige  me,  Mr.  Wise- 
man, by  calling  me  Miss  Mitford  and  not  Emily,  said  Miss 
Mitford. 

I  beg  your  pardon.  Miss  Mitford,  but  I  did  think  from  the 
confidential  nature  of  our  friendship,  it  might  be  agreeable  to 
you  to  be  called  Emily,  said  Mr.  Wiseman. 

Mr.  Wiseman,  ministers  are  a  very  peculiar  class  of  men ; 
they  should  have  for  wives  very  pious  women,  and  rather 
pliable  ones  too.  Now  I  do  not  know  what  you  mean,  or 
what  you  wish  me  to  understand  by  calling  me  Emily;  but 
if  you  think  that  I  shall  admit  of  any  advances  of  a  lover  in 
the  Eev.  Mr.  Wiseman,  you  are  very  much  mistaken,  said 
Miss  Mitford. 

You  distress  me,  I  have  been  deceived 


42  DESPOTISM. 

No,  never,  Mr.  Wiseman,  you  have  not  been  deceived,  said 
Miss  ;Mitford. 

Have  I  been  deceived  by  my  own  affections,  and  have  I 
fallen  into  this  error  ?  asked  Mr.  Wiseman. 

That  is  your  own  fault  if  you  have.  I  never  deceived  you, 
nor  any  other  person.  I  will  deceive  no  person  in  so  serious 
an  affair.  Triis  decision  will  affect  the  happiness  of  others  as 
vi-ell  as  ourselves.  That  you  have  been  received  at  my  father's 
house  I  admit,  your  sacred  calling  should  admit  you  anywhere- 
That  your  religious  views  are  agreeable  to  my  parents  or 
myself,  I  do  not  admit.  There  are  sentiments  entertained  by 
some  that  are  not  manfully  expressed.  Sentiments  long  pro- 
fessed are  sometimes  changed.  The  world  is  fickle — men 
change.  The  mind  wanders  in  the  labyrinth  of  uncertainty, 
and  is  constantly  proclaiming  that  new  light  has  burst  in  upon 
a  doubtful  question.  Religion  is  a  sentiment  beyond  all  oth- 
ers in  importance  to  me.  I  believe  that  my  happiness  here 
and  hereafter  are  intimately  connected  with  the  professions 
that  I  have  made,  and  the  friendships  that  I  may  form,  said 
]\Iiss  Mitfbrd. 

Miss  Mitford,  you  could  not  have  been  in  doubt  as  to  my 
feelings.  I  could  not  have  concealed  them.  I  was  no  actor. 
I  was  an  honest  worshiper  at  a  shrine  that  I  adored.  I  did 
feel  that  affection  was  a  holy  flame,  and  that  lighted  here  on 
the  altar  of  love  would  burn  brighter  and  brighter  through  all 
time.  That  I  do  love  you,  that  I  must  ever  love  you,  I  have 
the  witness  of  my  own  heart.  We  were  children  together. 
The  happiest  moments  of  my  life  were  those  stolen  from  home 
and  passed  with  you.  Must  I  give  them  up  forever?  I  was 
not  prepared  for  such  a  thought.  Recall,  0  Miss  Mitford,  do 
recall  those  words  !  My  life  has  been  a  life  of  sorrow,  unre- 
lieved by  a  single  joy.  My  parents  died  before  their  features 
were  fixed  on  this  heart  of  mine.  I  had  no  brother,  and  no 
Bister's  love  ever  soothed  this  aching  heart !     At  my  uncle's 


DESPOTISM.  43 

house  I  was  nurtured,  and  owed  to  him  the  education  that  I 
hoped  would  reflect  honor  on  his  name.  But  an  error  of  my 
life,  to  which  I  cannot  now  allude,  drove  me  from  a  home 
most  dear  to  me  !  I  am  now  alone  !  I  have  not  a  relation  in 
the  world  that  owns  me  !  I  have  not  a  friend  on  whose  sym- 
pathy I  can  repose  !  I  had  one  last  hope,  a  glorious  hope, 
that  pointed  to  happiness.  It  is  gone  now  !  I  need  not  tell 
you  that  I  was  not  prepared  for  this  !  You  knew  the  strength 
of  that  sentiment  which  ever  drew  me  to  your  father's  house. 
Our  early  walks,  our  noonday  rambles,  the  flowers  we  gather- 
ed— I  cannot  forget  them  !  Your  music,  the  gay  dance,  the 
gardens,  the  summer-house  where  we  read  and  conversed — 
must  I  never  more  enjoy  them  ?  Your  letters,  your  poems 
and  recitations,  those  evidences  of  genius  to  a  responsive 
heart !  Our  souls,  I  thought,  were  to  own  a  common  origin — 
to  live,  to  die,  and  to  live  again,  united  to  Him  who  knows  no 
change.  That  this  sentiment  was  reciprocated,  I  did  fondly 
believe.  I  can  never  forget  the  pleasant  hours  passed  in  your 
society  !  Say  this  sentiment  was  reciprocated  once !  Then 
win  I  charge  to  fate  this  unfortunate — may  I  not  say  hasty 
word  ?  0  do,  Miss  Mitford,  do  recall  that  one  word  before 
I  leave  you  !  asked  Mr.  Wiseman. 

Mr.  Wiseman,  I  am  writing  a  play — and  I  have  already 
written  one — and  I  am  to  perform  a  part  for  the  benefit  of 
Vic.  Now  what  assurance  have  you  that  I  may  not  yet  ap- 
pear upon  the  stage  ?  asked  Miss  Mitford. 

Miss  Mitford,  you  would  not  go  upon  the  stage  to  gratify  a 
passion  for  display  !  You  can  show  a  surpassing  genius  in 
more  quiet  scenes  of  joyous,  happy  domestic  life.  All  would 
love  to  follow  you  in  virtue's  paths.  Your  father  is  wealthy, 
and  you  the  whole  world  calls  talented.  Gifts  like  yours 
would  be  better  rewarded,  and  shed  a  brighter  charm  over 
any  other  life.  You  cannot  think  of  the  stage,  said  Mr.  Wise- 
man. 


44  DESPOTISM. 

My  talents  are  just  such  as  Providence  gave  me — but  if  my 
father  should  by  any  of  the  accidents  that  overtake  so  many 
lose  his  fortune,  do  you  think  I  would  not  go  upon  the  stage  ? 
I  would  go  to-morrow.  But  I  have  an  apprehension  that 
weighs  more  deeply  on  my  mind,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

What  is  it,  Miss  Mitford  ?  asked  Mr.  Wiseman. 

I  have  already  intimated  the  nature  of  it,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

I  do  not  comprehend  you.  Do  you  doubt  my  affection  for 
you  ?  asked  Mr.  Wiseman. 

I  believe  that  you  are  a  Catholic,  and  that  you  are  deceiv- 
ing us.  I  did  not  intend  to  use  such  language,  but  you  are 
determined  to  comprehend  no  other.  I  do  not  believe  that 
you  are  an  honest  man  !  I  am  sorr}'  to  be  compelled  to  speak 
in  such  a  decided  manner,  but  you  have  drawn  the  acknow- 
lediiment  from  me,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

Miss  Mitford,  suppose  I  should  take  a  part  in  your  play 
for  the  benefit  of  Vic — will  it  afford  you  any  gratification  ? 
asked  Mr.  Wiseman. 

Not  the  least,  Mr.  Wiseman.  I  would  not  permit  it  on  any 
condition.  Our  friendship  is  at  an  end,  and  you  will  oblige 
me  by  treating  me  as  you  treat  all  others,  said  Miss  Mitford, 
and  turned  toward  Mrs.  Rogers. 

On  looking  near  the  corner  of  the  room.  Miss  Mitford  dis- 
covered General  McDonald  in  conversation  with  Eugenia,  and 
approached  them. 

What  do  you  think  I  have  said  to  the  General  ?  asked  Eu- 
genia. 

I  suppose  you  have  been  telling  him  that  you  cannot  under- 
stand our  uncouth  language.  It  is  not  so  musical  as  your 
Spanish,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

I  have  been  inviting  him  to  visit  Madrid  !  Madrid,  you 
know,  is  a  lovely  place.  We  have  an  Italian  sky,  a  tropical 
sun,  and  the  fruit  of  all  the  world.  It  is  the  only  spot  on 
earth  where  every  thing  seems  made  for  enjoyment.    The  very 


DESPOTISM,  45 

senses  seem  to  partake  of  the  refinement  around  us,  and  we 
enjoy  a  luxurious  repose,  said  Eugenia. 

My  regiment  will  for  one  year  be  stationed  at  Gibraltar, 
and  I  shall  do  myself  the  honor  to  call  on  you  at  Madrid. 
You  have  alluded  to  your  beloved  Madrid.  Could  you  be 
induced  by  any  circumstance  to  exchange  Madrid  for  Lon- 
don ?  asked  the  General. 

0,  if  father  should  remove  to  London,  and  if  we  should  be 
settled  here,  I  could  pass  my  summers  in  London  and  my 
winters  in  Madrid  very  pleasantly.  I  have  formed  some  very 
pleasant  friendships  in  London.  I  shall  regret  leaving  some 
ladies,  and  possibly  some  few,  very  few  gentlemen,  said  Eu- 
genia. 

There  are  some  very  talented  young  Spanish  noblemen  at- 
tached to  your  father's  Embassy.  Do  they  return  with  you  ? 
asked  the  General. 

I  have  never  asked  them,  and  I  never  shall.  I  do  not  think 
that  I  like  my  own  countrymen  very  well — I  do  not  like  them 
as  well  as  I  did  once.  I  have  seen  one  I  could  like.  Miss 
Mitford,  you  will  undoubtedly  visit  the  continent — will  you 
visit  me  ?  asked  Eugenia. 

Shall  I  go  alone  ?     I  have  no  brother,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

I  know  the  man  with  whom  you  will  some  day  visit,  not 
Madrid  only,  but  all  the  gay  scenes,  the  brilliant  courts,  and 
the  romantic  spots  that  attract  the  most  refined,  said  Eugenia, 
as  she  turned  to  join  Mr.  Rogers. 

My  Lord,  some  years  ago  the  Duke  of  Orleans  wrote  me 
from  Paris,  and  asked  of  me  the  performance  of  a  singular  ser- 
vice. He  stated  that  with  his  two  sons,  the  Duke  of  Chartres 
and  the  Duke  of  Moutpensier,  then  quite  young,  and  under 
the  care  of  Madame  de  Genlis,  he  had  decided  to  take  an 
English  girl  of  equal  age,  and  educate  them  together.  The 
Duke  you  know  was  the  richest  man  in  Europe,  and  the  bro- 
ther of  Louis  XVI.  now  on  the  revolutionary  throne  of  France. 


46  DESPOTISM. 

I  mentioned  his  singular  request  to  my  friend  Sir  William  Riv- 
ers, the  brother  of  Lord  Eivers,  and  his  daughter,  Pamela 
Rivers,  was  sent  to  Madame  de  Genlis.  While  at  school  with 
the  young  princes,  the  Duke  settled  on  her  a  large  fortune, 
and  she  is  now  visiting  London.  Pamela  is  regarded  in  Paris 
as  the  handsomest  girl  in  France,  and  her  fortune  is  immense. 
She  will  probably  visit  Lord  A&hburton,  said  Mr.  Rogers. 

The  fame  of  Miss  Rivers  preceded  her,  and  more  than  one 
person  is  anxious  for  an  interview,. said  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

My  Lord,  there  is  a  rumor  that  I  wish  you  to  contradict. 
Some  envious  persons  have  connected  her  visit  to  London 
with  the  movement  in  Ireland,  which  is  giving  us  so  much 
anxiety.  I  well  know  that  Miss  Rivers  has  no  such  mission, 
and  you  will  oblige  me  by  correcting  this  report,  said  Mr. 
Rogers. 

I  shall  certainly  seek  an  interview,  and  learn  the  object  of 
a  visit  from  a  personage  of  her  distinction,  said  Lord  Fitzge- 
rald, as  he  withdrew. 

Lady  Grosvenor,  my  son  Nicholas,  you  know,  has  a  great 
taste  for  traveling,  and  he  is  now  contemplating  a  voyage  to 
America.  What  do  you  think  of  that  country  ?  Is  the  gov- 
ernment a  permanent  one,  or  will  they  have  a  revolution,  like 
France  ?  Has  civilization  made  any  progress  since  we  ac- 
knowledged their  independence?  asked  the  Duchess  of  Devon- 
shire. 

I  have  heard  very  favorable  accounts  from  the  United 
States.  They  already  have  colleges,  and  learning  is  making 
some  progress,  but  the  Catholics  will  undoubtedly  be  the  ma- 
jority, and  will  oppose  all  progress.  My  husband  is  sending 
all  his  tenants  at  his  own  expense,  and  is  pleased  to  get  them 
out  of  the  way  before  we  have  any  more  difficulty — he  is  evi- 
dently alarmed.  I  should  certainly  send  my  son  to  New  York 
if  I  had  one  of  the  age  of  your  Nicholas,  particularly  if  he 
were  inclined  to  extravagant  habits.     In  the  United  Slates  I 


DESPOTISM,  47 

am  told  the  people  all  work,  and  form  those  habits  that  lead 
to  self-elevation,  said  Lady  Grosvenor. 

Edward,  you  know,  is  not  so  careful  of  his  money  or  his 
hubits  as  the  Duke  his  father  thinks  he  should  be  :  but  as  iie 
will  be  the  heir  to  half  a  million  a  year,  as  the  oldest  son,  we 
can  excuse  him.  Nicholas  must  rely  upon  his  own  talents; 
and  to  see  him  careless  of  his  money,  and  neglecting  the  du- 
ties on  which  his  prospects  in  after  life  are  to  depend,  gives  us 
some  anxiety.  He  is  now  twenty -one  years  of  age,  and  we 
shall  give  him  a  few  thousands,  and  allow  him  to  try  his  for- 
tune in  that  country,  which  seems  at  present  to  be  filling  the 
minds  of  all  Europe,  said  the  Duchess. 

Does  he  leave  immediately  ?  asked  Lady  Grosvenor. 

He  will  leave  in  the  packet  ship  Washington.  This  ves.sel 
has  acquired  great  reputation  as  a  sailor,  her  average  passages 
being  short  of  forty  days.  You  do  not  think  there  is  any  dan- 
ger of  his  falling  into  bad  company  in  that  temperate  and  vir- 
tuous country  ?  I  must  admit  to  you  in  confidence,  that  he 
has  committed  some  petty  acts  of  impropriety  which  have  deeply 
offended  his  father.  If  he  could  in  that  great  country  acquire 
habits  of  industry,  and  sustain  a  high  character,  it  would  re- 
flect credit  on  us  all,  and  would  delight  his  father.  His  sis- 
ters feel  for  him  a  stronger  attachment  than  for  Edward, 
They  oppose  his  leaving,  but  his  father  is  willing  to  have  him 
try  his  fortune  abroad,  and  I  shall  not  oppose  my  wishes  to 
his,  said  the  Duchess,  as  she  withdrew. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  I  am  requested  by  Lord  Ashburton 
to  say  that  his  friends  are  invited  to  his  levee  on  Wednesday 
evening  next,  said  Mr,  Rogers. 


48  DESPOTISM. 


CHAPTEE    II. 


WEALTH     WITHOUT    POVERTY. 

Ye  HouseholJ  Deities  I  whose  guardian  eye 
Mark'd  each  pure  thought,  ere  register'd  on  high  ; 
Still,  still  ye  wallc  the  consecrated  ground, 
And  breathe  the  soul  of  Inspiration  round. 

Rogers. 

LoRt>  AsHBURTON  was  a  man  of  eminent  talentSj  and  great 
wealth.  He  commenced  business  with  capital,  and  by  his 
marriage  with  Miss  Bingham,  became  the  inheritor  of  im- 
mense landed  property  in  the  United  States.  In  the  house  of 
Baring,  Brothers,  &  Co.,  he  acquired  a  large  property 
as  a  banker  and  commission  merchant,  and  was  twice  in  the 
Cabinet.  At  his  house  had  assembled  nearly  five  hundred 
persons,  among  whom  were  many  of  the  first  men  in  London. 
Lord  Ashburton's  talents  were  acknowledged  by  the  most 
eminent  statesmen  of  England,  and  he  was  raised  by  their  re- 
quest to  the  peerage  by  George  IV. 

At  his  house  he  constantly  entertained,  with  princely  hos- 
pitality, a  select  circle  who  possessed  the  highest  claims  to 
talent  and  to  wealth. 

There  were  present  this  evening  the  following  eminent  per- 


DESPOTISM.  49 

sons.  Pitt,  Sheridan,  Burke,  Eomilly,  Duke  of  Norfolk, 
Lord  Liverpool,  Dr.  Herscliel,  Dr.  Brewster,  Dr.  Buckland, 
Capt.  Parry,  Lord  Minto,  Lord  Derby,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eogers, 
Miss  Mitford,  Lord  Byron  and  daughter,  Mr.  Wiggin,  Mr. 
Coutts,  Sir  Walter  Scott,  T.  Moore,  Enimett,  O'Connor, 
McNevin,  Mrs.  Grant,  Lady  Morgan,  Lord  Jeffrey,  Mr.  Gif- 
ford,  Rev.  Sidney  Smith,  Mr.  Chambers,  Lord  Brougham, 
Mr.  Paley,  Mr.  Grattan,  Mr.  Curran,  Mr.  Peabody,  Mr. 
Mitford,  Col.  Wellesly  (afterward  Lord  Wellington)  Lord 
Fitzgerald,  and  Miss  Pamela  Elvers. 

Mr.  Eogers  advanced  to  Mr.  Mitford,  and  offered  him  his 
hand. 

Mr.  Mitford,  will  you  allow  me  a  moment  for  private  con- 
versation with  you  ?  asked  Mr.  Eogers. 

Certainly,  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

Mr.  Mitford,  how  much  of  Samuel  William's  paper  do  you 
hold  ?  asked  Mr.  Eogers. 

Mr.  Mitford  looked  confused  ! 

It  cannot  be !  You  do  not  mean  to  intimate  that  there  is 
any  trouble  with  that  eminent  banking-house  ?  said  Mr.  Mit- 
ford. 

I  have  said  nothing,  and  I  hope  he  owes  you  nothing,  said 
Mr.  Eogers. 

He  owes  me  very  largely  ! — very  largely  !  What  have  you 
heard  ?  asked  Mr.  Mitford. 

I  sold  £50,000  of  his  paper  yesterday,  and  I  think  I  was 
fortunate.  I  did  not  own  it  all,  but  those  who  were  part  own- 
ers are  highly  pleased  with  the  sale.  Williams,  you  know, 
was  originally  from  Boston,  and  has  had  the  reputation  of  be- 
ing w'orth  two  millions  before  he  undertook  to  monopolize  all 
the  cotton  of  America.  I  do  not  say  that  he  will  not  continue 
to  pay  a  few  days  longer,  but  I  have  been  to'd  confidentially, 
that  he  is  a  lame  duck,  said  Mr.  Eogers. 

3 


50  DESPOTISM. 

Have  yoa  conversed  with  Mr.  Williams  ?  asked  Mr.  Mit- 
ford. 

I  have  not,  said  Mr.  Eogers. 

Are  you  certain  that  he  will  fail  ?  asked  Mr.  Mitford, 

I  have  not  the  least  doubt  of  it!  I  advise  you  as  a  friend 
to  sell  your  paper  to-morrow,  whether  the  amount  is  large  or 
small,  said  Mr.  Rogers. 

But  how  can  I  honestly  sell  my  paper  when  you  tell  me 
that  you  know  he  will  fail  ?  asked  Mr.  Mitford. 

What  of  that  ?  All  shrewd  merchants  sell  their  bad  paper 
to  some  unsuspecting  victim,  and  then  laugh  in  his  face  at  the 
ruin  they  have  inflicted,  said  Mr.  Kogers. 

Mr.  Rogers,  I  regard  you  as  one  of  the  richest  bankers  in 
London,  and  your  integrity  has  never,  I  believe,  been  doubt- 
ed ;  but  I  never  yet  acted  on  the  sentiment  that  you  have  ad- 
vanced, and  I  never  will,  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

I  will  send  you  the  shrewdest  broker  in  London.  He  will 
satisfy  you  that  all  shrewd  merchants  do  these  things.  He 
will  in  the  first  place  go  through  the  street,  and  pretend  that 
he  wants  to  purchase  Williams'  paper,  and  then  he  will  offer 
to  sell — and  if  the  sale  can  be  made  in  London,  he  will  effect 
it ;  he  will  sell  any  one  man  enough  to  make  him  a  lame  duck, 
siiid  Mr.  Rogers. 

I  will  not  sell  one  pound  to  any  man  !  It  is  not  honest — 
and  I  do  not  want  money  obtained  in  that  way,  said  Mr. 
Mitford. 

Mr.  Mitford,  all  that  you  may  lose  by  Williams  is  nothing 
in  your  pocket.  I  hear  that  your  partner,  Mr.  Overard  of 
Paris,  is  making  money  faster  than  it  was  ever  made  by  any 
other  banker.  ]\[y  correspondent  writes  me  that  there  nev- 
er was  such  a  money-making  machine  invented,  as  Overard 
has  put  in  motion  in  Paris.  He  says  that  the  stock  has  gone 
up  every  day  for  fifteen  days,  and  that  you  and  Overard  will 
make  millions  of  pounds,  said  Mr.  Rogers, 


DESPOTISM.  61 

I  must  admit,  Mr.  Rogers,  that  it  promises  to  make  us  a 
few  millions.  I  think  we  shall  be  very  sure  to  make  as  much 
as  we  shall  lose  by  Williams,  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

My  letters  say  that  the  French  Government  have  put  into 
the  Bank  that  whole  territory  in  the  United  States  called  the 
Valley  of  the  Mipsissippi,  which  is  a  country  ten  times  as 
large  as  all  England  and  France,  and  embraces  the  finest  soil 
and  climate  in  the  world.  This  country  is  so  large,  that  one 
stream,  under  two  names,  the  Missouri  and  the  Mississippi, 
runs  4,100  miles  through  the  territory  to  the  Atlantic  ocean  ! 
This  gigantic  bank,  or  corporation,  is  enough  to  astonish  any 
man.  There  can  be  no  estimating  the  value  of  this  stock, 
Mr.  Mitford,  your  modesty  has  prevented  your  mentioning 
this  great  scheme  to  your  friends,  and  I  have  repeated  the 
substance  of  my  letters  to  you  before  I  mentioned  it  to  my 
personal  friends.  I  sincerely  congratulate  you,  and  I  hope 
you  will  make  five  or  ten  millions,  and  you  certainly  will — if 
you  sell  out  in  season.  All  shrewd  men  use  every  stratagem 
to  raise  their  stock  in  market — and  when  well  inflated,  they 
sell  out,  and  divulge  the  fact  that  it  has  no  value  and  never 
had.  Having  your  company  now  completed,  it  may  not  be 
inconsistent  with  your  interest,  or  feelings,  to  give  me  a  sketch 
of  this  company,  which  seems  destined  to  fill  the  world  with 
astonishment,  said  Mr.  Eogers. 

My  partner,  Mr.  Overard,  is  a  man  of  eminent  talents,  and 
a  mathematician  of  the  highest  order.  He  was  born  in  Scot- 
land, and  his  connections  are  wealthy.  His  plan  of  a  joint- 
stock  company  was  an  original  conception,  and  th6  boldest 
that  ever  came  from  the  mind  of  any  man.  He  first  submitted 
it  to  our  English  financiers,  but  they  were  too  dull  to  compre- 
hend the  immense  advantages  of  the  scheme,  and  the  Govern- 
ment refused  us  a  charter.  Mr.  Overard  then  repaired  to 
Paris,  and  occupied  one  of  the  first  hotels  for  six  months.  He 
had  with  him  large  sums  to  loan.     He  had  wealth  in  bank,  in 


52  DESPOTISM. 

pocket,  and  at  the  tables  of  the  highest  circles.  The  members 
of  the  French  cabinet  were  his  constant  associates  ;  they  occa- 
sionally wanted  money,  and  he  always  had  it.  The  Minister 
of  Finance  was  his  contidential  associate,  and  to  him  the  plan 
and  details  were  submitted.  By  degrees  Mr.  Overard  opened 
to  the  bankers  and  capitalists  of  Paris  the  scheme,  the  scope 
of  which  astonished  all. 

It  was  a  bank,  or  joint-stock  company,  which  was  to  have 
from  the  French  Government  a  conveyance  of  every  thing 
that  the  Government  owned,  and  should  give  its  own  notes, 
both  on  time  like  a  merchant,  and  on  demand  like  a  bank. 
^Ir.  Overard  is  Director- General.  The  name  at  first  was — 
"The  Company  of  the  AVest,"  but  as  it  received  new  grants, 
it  twice  changed  its  name. 

The  stock  was  divided  into  600,000  shares  at  first,  and  af- 
terward increased.  Tiie  par  value  at  first  was  five  hundred 
hvres  each  share,  but  the  last  issued  were  five  thousand  livres. 
The  French  Government,  by  diflferent  acts  and  at  different 
times,  conveyed  to  the  company  not  only  all  the  property 
owned  by  them,  but  farmed  out  to  the  Bank  the  taxes  and 
the  duties. 

The  import  and  export  duties  of  France  are  collected  by 
corporations,  and  not  by  collectors,  as  in  the  United  States 
and  in  England.  These  corporations  frequently  advance 
three-fourths  of  the  duties  to  Government,  and  charge  interest 
and  commissions.  The  Company  of  the  West  has  contracted 
for  the  collection  of  nearly  all  the  import  and  export  duties — ■ 
and  that  on  tobacco  is  about  one  dollar  for  a  pound,  which 
costs  in  the  United  States  ten  cents. 

The  French  Government  have  conveyed  to  the  Bank  all 
their  soil  in  America,  extending  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pa- 
cific. The  next  was  the  Mint ;  and  the  next,  the  Bank  of 
France.  The  next  was  the  custom-house  and  the  public 
buildings.     The  Company  was  to  own  all   that   France  oaco 


DESPOTISM.  53 

owned  !  Any  person  who  subscribed  for  stock  in  the  "West- 
ern Company,  had  the  privilege  of  paying  in  the  old  bonds  of 
the  government  at  par,  which  were  selling  for  160  livres,  their 
par  value  being  500  livres.  In  this  way  of  conducting  the 
government  business,  the  nation,  as  such,  owed  nothing  and 
possessed  nothing;  the  Company  owes  all  that  France  owed, 
and  has  all  the  material  that  France  onc^e  had.* 


*  The  most  valuable  grant  from  the  French  nation,  was  the  American  soil.  It  com- 
prized exactly  the  same  territory  that  had  always  been  claimed  by  France  in  America, 
but  without  precise  limits,  and  under  conflicting  ownership.  The  earliest  wars  of 
America,  were  those  that  grew  out  of  the  attempt  by  France,  to  connect  this  Valley  of 
the  Mississippi  with  Canada  by  a  chain  of  forts.  It  was  in  this  war  that  we  read  the 
commencement  of  Washington's  public  life.  The  exact  limits  of  the  Territory  were 
never  fixed  ;  and  on  that  account,  the  American  government,  in  their  recent  treaty  with 
England,  extended  our  limits  over  twice  the  soil  that  France  ever  claimed.  France 
claimed  New  Orleans,  and  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  more  than  half-way  to  the  Pacific  : 
but  in  the  treaty  with  England,  negotiated  by  Webster,  we  claimed — and  England  finally 
allowed  us,  the  soil  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  Ocean  ;  and  from  49  degrees  North, 
to  Mexico.  This  soil  would  make  50  States  as  large  as  some  of  ours,  and  Nebraska  and 
Kansas,  large  as  they  arej  make  but  a  small  part  of  the  whole. 

Mrs.  Gaines  brought  a  suit  against  Mr.  B.  Chew  of  New  Orleans,  for  a  few  acres  in  the 
centre  of  that  city  ;  and  if  she  had  recovered,  they  would  have  sold  for  as  much  as  the 
United  States  gave  for  the  whole  valley.  Including  the  city  of  New  Orleans  I  Mr.s.  Gainea 
could  not  prove  that  her  parents  were  married,  and  for  the  want  of  that  evidence  lost 
$15,000,000  1  Mrs.  Gaines'  father,  Mr.  Clark,  was  an  Irish  Catholic.  Painful  conse- 
quences will  always  flow  from  Cathol  ic  institutions,  and  Catholic  vices.  The  New 
Orleans  papers  of  December  27,  1855,  state  that  Mrs.  Gaines  has  recovered  one  suit  that 
day  in  the  Highest  Court  of  Louisiana.  We  hope  she  will  recover  in  Washington  also, 
where  it  must  be  finally  decided,  and  where  she  once  recovered  a  suit  involving  some 
of  the  points  to  be  now  decided. 

Catholic  France  was  so  demoralized  that  Napoleon's  Code  gave  to  all  the  children  a 
share  of  their  father's  property.  A  child  by  a  married  wife,  received  no  more  than  the 
children  born  of  numerous  wives  not  married  !  Half-a-dozen  children,  by  as  many 
different  wives,  received  an  equal  share  of  the  father's  property  !  By  the  same  law, 
marriage  was  dissolved  by  either  the  husband  or  wife,  without  charges  or  specifications 
in  any  co'irt.  Divorce  immediately  became  general,  and  the  corruption  of  manners 
un^ver^al.  More  than  one  half  the  births  are  illegitimate  !  This  law,  like  other  iniqui- 
ties, has  found  apologists,  even  in  this  virtuous  country.  In  New  Orleans,  and  in  all 
Catholic  Europe,  Sunday  is  the  day  for  excessive  dissipation.  All  the  theatres,  all  the 
gambling- rooms  are  open.  No  person  can  believe  that  religion,  as  a  sentiment,  has  any 
believers  in  such  places. 

It  is  a  curious  fact  the  old  Federal  Party  opposed  the  purchase  of  this  immense  valley 


54  DESPOTISM. 

The  whole  valley  of  the  Mississippi  was  put  into  the  stock 
company,  without  charge,  and  the  value  of  it  will  some  day  be 
equal  to  the  entire  national  debt  of  both  France  and  England. 

As  might  have  been  expected,  the  moment  the  stock  was 
offered,  and  before  the  company  was  legally  prepared  to  trans- 
act business,  the  stock  commenced  rising,  and  it  reached  sixty 
dollars  for  the  cost  of  ten  dollars.  Overard,  Abbe  de  Bois, 
and  M.  De  Argenson,  the  two  last  cabinet  ministers,  managed 
the  affairs  of  the  company,  without  the  control  or  partnership 
of  the  government.  We  have  a  report  that  there  are  gold  and 
silver  mines  on  the  land,  and  we  are  this  day  offered  30,000 
livres  for  every  square  league  !  If  my  partner,  Mr.  Overard, 
and  the  two  other  directors,  should  conclude  to  sell  the  soil,  it 
will,  at  that  rate,  amount  to  a  sum  sufEcieut  to  pay  off  all  the 
debts  of  all  the  governments  of  Europe  ! 

The  company,  after  disposing  of  the  valley  of  the  ^lissis- 
sippi,  will  have  left  all  the  material,  which  was  considered 
equivalent  to  the  assumption  of  all  the  debts  of  France.  The 
Cabinet  are  released  from  all  care  of  the  finances  and  of  the 
customs.  A  similar  compauy  was  never  formed,  and  may 
never  again  exist — but  this  is  in  full  operation,  and  has  the 
confidence  of  all  the  commercial  world  I  Some  of  the  French 
ministers  and  the  large  capitalists  who  did  not  embark  early 
in  our  company,  could  not  obtain  stock  at  par.     A  jealousy 


and  stigmatized  Adams  and  Jefferson  as  the  participators  in  the  profits  of  an  unwise  pur- 
chase. Perfection  i.s  not  the  lot  of  humanity.  While  Jefferson  was  negotiating  for  the 
purchase  of  this  soil,  worth,  at  this  moment,  4,000  millions  of  dollars ;  he  opposed 
successfully  the  payment  of  100  millions  of  government  bonds  with  which  the  pockets 
of  every  patriot  and  soldier  was  filled.  The  holders  of  these  bonds  have  recently  applied 
to  the  New  Court  at  Washington  for  the  justice  that  has  been  constantly  denied  them 
for  50  years  !  It  was  in  the  negotiation  for  the  purchase  of  the  Valley  of  Mississippi, 
that  Jefferson  first  uttered  the  remark,  so  often  repeated  by  him  and  the  patriots  of  this 
country,  that  he  "  wished  there  might  be  a  waU  of  fire  between  Catholic  Europe  and  this 
country."  Europe,  he  said,  should  not  own  an  acre  of  soil,  nor  send  to  this  country, 
a  Red  Republican  nor  an  Irish  Patriot ;  both  of  whom  he  was  certain,  were  sent  here  for 
their  country's  good. 


DESPOTISM.  55 

was  excited,  a  charter  for  a  new  company  was  obtained,  and 
it  commenced  operations.  The  Cabinet  ministers  promised 
the  new  company  a  part  of  the  business  heretofore  conducted 
by  the  Western  Company.  Mr.  Overard  was  then  instructed 
to  purchase  all  the  stock,  and  all  the  assets  of  the  new  com- 
pany, and  thus  break  down  all  competition.  This  union  is  of 
immense  importance,  and  from  this  time  it  is  to  be  called  the 
Company  of  the  Indies.  The  last  grant  of  the  French  nation 
was  the  right  to  trade  with  the  East  and  West  Indies  to  the 
exclusion  of  all  others.  At  this  moment  not  a  French  vessel 
can  enter  from  any  port,  except  the  vessels  of  the  India  Com- 
pany. For  the  last  extension  of  privileges,  the  company  are 
to  convey  of  the  French  government  50,000  shares  of  stock,  at 
the  value  of  550  livres  each.  Mr.  Overard  writes  me  that 
1000  livres  for  each  share  are  freely  offered  for  the  vv'hole  issue. 

On  the  25th  of  July,  the  India  Company  agreed  to  furnish 
to  the  government  50  millions  of  livres,  payable  in  instalments 
running  fifteen  months :  and  50,000  shares  were  to  be  issued 
to  balance  the  loan,  the  par  value  of  which  was   1,000   livres. 

On  the  27th  of  August  our  India  Company  contracted  with 
the  government  to  advance  3,500,000  livres,  and  to  collect  all 
the  taxes  of  France  till  the  advance  should  be  repaid  In  De- 
cember 30,000  new  shares  were  created,  and  valued  at  5,000 
iivres  each,  making  up  the  issue  to  the  extent  of  the  original 
charter,  of  600,000  shares. 

At  this  moment  our  Company  is  in  the  zenith  of  its  success, 
and  the  shai'es  are  selling  at  5,000  livres,  the  lov;est  cost  being 
500  livres. 

When  Mr.  Overard  arrives  at  the  bank  in  the  morning,  he 
finds  the  street  blocked  up  with  the  carriages  of  the  noblemen, 
the  carts  of  the  country  people,  and  the  masses  of  the  citizens, 
many  of  whom  wait  all  day  with  the  money,  and  cannot  reach 
the  counter  or  obtain  stock.  The  cupidity  excited  by  such  a 
grand  scheme  of  money-making  has  never  been  equaled.     The 


56  DESPOTISM. 

lawyer,  the  doctor,  the  minister,  ladies,  visitors  from  England^ 
and  from  all  Europe,  are  assembled  at  Paris,  and  it  is  one  vast 
exchange.  One  of  the  largest  hotels  was  sold  to  the  bank  for 
two  and  a  half  million  francs,  and  converted  into  an  exchange. 
A  law  was  then  passed  that  no  sale  of  stock  should  be  bind- 
ing if  not  made  in  this  exchange.  Mr.  Overard  is  treated  with 
the  respect  due  a  prince,  dining  frequently  with  the  king  and 
the  nobility,  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

Mr.  Mitford,  what  will  be  the  result  of  such  a  state  of 
things  ?  History  has  no  parallel,  and  modern  times  have  no 
lessons  to  guide  the  financier  or  the  philosophical  investigator. 
Do  you  not  red.eem  any  of  your  notes  in  specie  ?  asked  Mr^ 
Kogers. 

We  do  keep  some  specie  on  hand  for  the  redemption  of  our 
small  bills,  but  we  could  not  redeem  any  large  sums.  So  far 
we  have  had  no  demand  for  specie,  and  it  lies  useless  in  the 
vaults,  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

Llr.  Mitford,  suppose  some  accident  should  happen,  by 
which  a  run  should  be  caused,  what  consequences  will  follow  ? 
You  have  not  enlightened  us  in  this  new  banking  system  with- 
out specie.  Could  you  sustain  your  bank  one  week  after  3'our 
credit  was  once  doubted  ?  asked  Mr.  Rogers. 

We  do  not  intend  to  have  it  doubted.  Are  not  our  re- 
sources large  enough  to  sustain  our  credit  ?  What  have  we 
to  fear  ?  Does  not  the  world  know  that  the  bank  is  the  whole 
nation,  and  are  not  the  creditors  the  French  people  ?  Is  it  not 
doubly  strong?  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

Mr.  Mitford,  are  you  familiar  with  the  maxims  of  business  ? 
asked  Mr.  Rogers. 

I  do  not  know  that  I  regard  the  world  as  all  knaves — per- 
haps you  do.  Is  that  the  maxim  which  you  wish  to  know  if  I 
am  familiar  with  ?  asked  Mr.  Mitford. 

Mr.  Mitford,  there  are  a  great  many  poor  scoundrels  in  the 
world,  but  there  are  a  great  many  more  rich  ones.     The  world 


DESPOTISM,  57 

pretty  generally  regards  corporations  as  contrivances  for  mak- 
ing money  unrestricted  by  any  principles  of  honesty.     Our  re- 
spectable men,  who  would  not  cheat  in  their  own  individual 
name,  will  cheat  and  rob  if  they  can  divide  the  responsibility 
between  a  dozen  persons  like  themselves,  and  charge  the  whole 
crime  to  the  corporation.     No  door  to  fraud  was  ever  opened 
by  legislation,  that  did  not  find  hundreds  of  respectable  men 
rushing  in  to  cheat  their  neighbors.     I   have  been  in  business 
forty  years,  and  have  learned  that  there  is  no  security  but  in 
individual  honesty  and  in  individual  judgment.     I  will  under- 
take to  demonstrate  to  a  jury  of  twelve  men,  that  more  money 
has    been    lost    by  corporations    than    they  have  ever   made. 
There  is   no  advantage  to  individuals,  or  to  nations,  in  these 
large  accumulations  of  capital  and  business.       Our   English 
banking  system,  conducted  by  individuals  furnishing  their  own 
solid  capital,  unassisted  by  paper  expansion  and  b}^  legit^la- 
tive  favoritism,  is  the  only  solid  basis  of  credit.     Individuals 
can  owe  enough,  and  the  community  can  lose  enough  by  indi- 
viduals not  incorporated.     If  the  facts  could  be  made  accessi- 
ble, it  would  be  found  that  the  loss  by  corporations  is  twice 
as  large  as  by  individuals,  compared  with  the  business  trans- 
acted by  them.     There  is  but  one  safe  mode  of  trusting  bank- 
ing privileges  to  corporations,  and  that  is  to  require  ample  se- 
curity for  every  dollar  issued.     If  the  law-makers  of  the  world 
had  made  this  discovery  when  the  trade  of  Europe  first  re- 
vived, the  wealth  of  our  European  cities  and  their  population 
would  have  been  much  greater  than  they  now  are.     I  am  not 
a  stockholder  in  any  corporation  in  London,  and  there  is  not 
one  in  which  I  would  invest  one  pound.     These  corporations 
are  granted  by  knaves,  and  paid  for  by  knaves,  and  managed 
by  knaves,  and  the  honest  men  who  go  into  them  come  out 
knaves;  and  they  will  always  be  most  abundant  in  countries 
where  knaves  and  rogues  are   most  abundant.     Erance  has 
twice  repudiated  her  entire  national  debt,  and  refused  to  pay 


58  DESPOTISM. 

her  creditors  one  dollar,  and  America  still  refuses  to  pay  a 
very  large  amount  of  her  Continental  money,  a  debt  due  to 
the  very  soldiers  who  won  her  independence,  and  which  they 
or  their  descendants  now  hold  as  evidence  of  the  ingratitude, 
not  to  say  dishonesty  of  republics.  The  Government  of  the 
United  States  owes  her  own  citizens  eight  millions,  which 
were  robbed  from  them  by  France,  and  paid  for  at  twenty- 
five  cents  on  the  dollar,  and  a  receipt  given  in  full.  The  mer- 
chants have  now  no  claim  on  France,  and  the  Am.erican  Gov- 
ernment refuses  to  pay  their  merchants  one  dollar,  said  Mr. 
Rogers. 

I  have  heard  your  charges,  and  am  not  a  little  surprised  to 
find  the  world  so  dishonest.  I  may  not  be  correct,  but  I  did 
think  that  in  some  of  your  remarks  there  was  an  odor  of  indi- 
vidual censure.  Am  I  to  understand  you  as  intimating  that 
the  corporation  in  which  I  have  invested  so  much  is  of  a 
doubtful  character  ?  asked  Mr.  Mitford. 

Not  at  all — by  no  means ;  I  meant  my  remarks  should  be 
general,  and  indicate  an  errcr  of  the  times,  and  a  mistake  in 
legislation,  which  knaves  would  turn  to  great  personal  profit ; 
and  that  there  would  be  a  great  many  rich  knaves  in  this 
world,  said  Mr.  Rogers. 

I  wish  to  say  to  you,  Mr.  Rogers,  in  that  spirit  of  friend- 
Bhip  which  has  always  existed  between  us,  that  I  can  sell  out 
my  India  stock  to-morrow,  and  have  more  money  than  any 
sovereign  in  Europe,  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

I  am  pleased  to  hear  you  speak  with  so  much  confidence — 
and  in  the  same  spirit  permit  me  to  say,  that  I  hope  you  will 
Bell  every  pound,  and  invest  in  specie  only  !  Within  one  year 
there  will  be  a  crash  that  will  shake  the  foundation  of  half 
the  banks  and  bankers  in  Europe.  I  have  been  applied  to 
this  day  by  the  Chancellor  for  a  Government  loan  of  sixteen 
millions  sterling.     He  says  he  will  give  four   per   cent,  and 


DESPOTISM.  59 

sell  the  stock  at  par,  but  I  will  not  take  the  loan  !     Now  you 

may  have  it,  if  you  want  it,  said  Mr.  Eogers. 

I  have  had  the  same  offer,  but  I  will  not  take  but  half  The 
Barings  and  Rothschilds  have  agreed  to  take  one  half  between 
them — so  that  you  may  now  consider  the  loan  out  of  mar- 
ket, said  Mr.  Mitford. 

Very  well,  very  well,  Mr.  Mitford ;  if  I  do  not  purchase 
that  stock  for  seventy-five  per  cent,  of  the  cost,  I  will  give 
you  my  banking-house,  said  Mr.  Eogers    as  he  walked  away. 

Mr.  Mitford  joined  Lord  Ashburton. 

The  loan  is  ours,  my  Lord  !  I  have  just  been  conversing 
with  Mr.  Eogers,  and  he  has  declined  the  new  loan,  and  we 
of  course  have  it,  I  think  it  will  go  up  one  or  two  per  cent. 
to-morrow,  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

You  say  "  we  have  the  loan." — Did  you  intend  to  include 
our  house,  Baring  Brothers,  &  Co.  in  the  term  "  we  "  ?  aaked 
Lord  Ashburton. 

I  did,  said  Mr.  Mitford, 

I  think  you  are  too  fast !  I  decline  1  My  letters  from 
Paris  to-day  are  very  dark — there  is  a  panic  arising.  It  has 
been  ascertained  that  the  specie  in  Paris  has  run  down  to  five 
millions,  and  France  is  to  be  involved  in  a  long  and  doubtful 
war.  Napoleon,  whom  you  know  is  one  of  the  Robespierre 
party,  and  a  Catholic,  is  making  himself  a  leader  of  all  the 
contending  factions,  and  may  yet  be  Emperor  !  A  general 
European  war  will  involve  every  Catholic  State — and  Eng- 
land, now  Protestant,  will  have  to  oppose  them  all,  and  her 
own  bonds  may  fall  to  forty-five  per  cent,  of  their  par  value. 
This  Napoleon  will  control  the  Pope,  and  the  aim  of  both 
will  be  the  destruction  of  all  the  Protestant  States. 

All  Europe  would  have  been  Protestant  years  ago,  if  the 
Pope  had  not  been  able  to  fight  and  destroy  every  individual, 
and  every  country,  that  has  shown  any  liberal  principles.  Is 
there  a  man  living,  who  believes  a   Catholic  to  be  a   better 


60  DESPOTISM, 

Christian  than  a  Protestant  ?  If  he  does  not,  what  opinion 
should  he  form  of  an  institution,  led  by  priests  who  are  con- 
stantly asserting  that  a  Protestant  is  an  infidel  and  heretic, 
and  cannot  safely  be  allowed  to  worship  in  Catholic  countries, 
or  to  be  buried  in  a  Catholic  cemetery  ?  No  other  denomina- 
tion of  Christians  hold  such  narrow,  offensive,  and  intolerant 
language.  Should  freemen  in  a  free  country  allow  an  institu- 
tion to  be  built  up  secretly,  the  object  of  which  is  to  bind  to- 
gether a  mass  of  beings  to  oppose  free  discussion,  free  insti- 
tutions, and  toleration  ?  These  men  are  constantly  filling  the 
minds  of  the  young  with  the  dogmas  which  must  result  in  a 
deadly  conflict,  and  possibly  in  the  entire  extinction  of  one 
party.  They  have  schools  by  themselves,  paid  for  by  the  hard 
earned  money  of  the  Protestants,  and  they  have  a  Bible  un- 
like the  revelation  of  Christianity ;  and  they  have  immoral 
priests  without  vi'ives.  The  most  miserable  of  the  Catholics 
are  now  emigrating  to  the  United  States,  and  will  soon  throw 
their  united  vote  for  the  demagogue  who  has  raised,  or  may 
raise,  in  that  free  country,  the  standard  of  the  Pope,  or  lead 
in  those  vices  which  they  carry  with  them. 

These  ignorant  creatures,  led  by  knaves,  excited  b)"-  the 
worst  passions,  darkened  by  superstition,  and  all  of  them 
with  a  free  vote  in  their  hands,  will  lead  any  country  to  de- 
gradation, and  ultimately  to  despotism.  If  the  Catholics  get 
a  strong  hold  in  the  United  States,  freedom  will  have  no  ex- 
istence but  in  the  pages  of  their  history.  If  the  United  States 
expect  to  preserve  a  Government  which  has  no  cement  but  the 
attachment  that  one  party  and  one  State  may  entertain  for 
each  other,  how  can  they  be  willing  to  import  every  year,  a 
mass  of  beings  who  have  ever  spread  discord  just  in  projior- 
tion  to  their  numbers,  and  their  power  to  persecute  ? 

England  seems  destined  to  a  speedy  ruin.  We  have  Cath- 
olic war,  French  war,  commercial  war,  and  commercial  ruin — 
all  approaching  in  full  view  at  this  moment.     The  Bank  of 


DESPOTISM  .  '  61 

England  may  have  to  suspend  specie  payments  for  twenty 
years,  and  will  flood  the  country  with  her  paper  rags.  The 
Government  may  allow  the  Bank  five  years  after  the  termina- 
tion of  the  war  to  redeem  her  paper,  and  England  will  be  for- 
tunate indeed  if  this  Napoleon  does  not  send  for  the  virtuous 
Pope  to  crown  him  in  London  instead  of  Paris. 

Nearly  every  bank  in  England,  and  more  than  half  the  pri- 
vate bankers,  and  the  merchants  may  fail,  and  in  France  it 
M'ill  be  still  worse.  This  Napoleon  is  destined  to  be  the 
greatest  scourge  that  ever  afflicted  humanity.  He  is  a  mil- 
itary adventurer  from  the  very  dregs  of  society,  and  was 
the  worst  actor  in  that  revolution  which  turned  men  into 
demons,  lie  calls  himself  a  Catholic,  and  like  them  all,  has 
no  regard  for  religion  or  for  truth.  He  has  destroyed  one 
Pope,  and  within  a  short  time  he  will  have  another  locked  up 
in  a  cage,  and  kept  a  prisoner  as  long  as  Napoleon  is  in 
power.* 

The  Catholic  clergy  have  offered  Napoleon  eight  hundred 
millions  of  dollars,  if  he  will  allow  them  to  retain  their  church 
property.  He  says  they  own  one  half  of  all  the  real  estate 
and  personal  property  in  France;  and  he  prefers  to  take  their 
entire  property,  including  the  chai'itable  institutions,  the  aggre- 
gate of  which  may  be  three  thousand  millions  or  more.f 

I  have  no  doubt  every  nation  in  Europe  will  be  involved  in 
war  by  Napoleon.  The  Pope  will  assist  him  to  crush  Eng- 
land, and  the  Catholics  of  America  will  be  brought  into  the 
contest.  When  England  and  the  United  States  are  at  war, 
the  Pope  will  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  Protestants  de- 
stroying each  other,  said  Lord  Ashburton. 


*  For  the  fate  of  Pius  VI.,  read  Alison  ;   page  545,  vol.  1.     Pius  \l\.,  who  was  the  sue 
cessor  of  Pius  VI.,  was  a  prisoner  in  France,  when  Napoleon  abdicated,  in  1815. 

t  Read  Alison  ;   page  95,   vol.  1. 


62  DESPOTISM. 

Do  you  sincerely  contemplate  such  a  crisis  ?  asked  Mr. 
Mitford. 

I  have  not  the  least  doubt  of  it.  England  is  entering  into 
a  war,  the  end  of  which  her  wisest  statesmen  cannot  see,  and 
it  may  be,  she  will  never  emerge  from  it.  News  has  been  re- 
ceived this  day  which  has  struck  consternation  into  the  mind 
of  every  friend  of  his  country,  said  Lord  Ashburton. 

What  is  it  ?  asked  Mr.  Mitford. 

Napoleon  has  arrived  in  front  of  Milan,  and  is  rapidly  ex- 
tending his  conquests  over  Europe.  His  immense  fleet  have 
eluded  Nelson  and  sailed  from  Toulon,  and  have  been  joined 
by  the  Spanish  fleet,  with  a  large  body  of  Catholic  troopn, 
which  will  be  landed  in  Ireland,  and  joined  by  all  the  Irish 
troops,  amounting  to  nearly  three  hundred  thousand,  and  the 
whole  will  be  marched  against  London!  said  Lord  Ashbur- 
ton. 

I  have  an  attack  of  the  ague,  my  Lord!  I  shake  I  Your 
picture  is  horrible — absolutely  frightful !  Can  it  be  your  pro- 
phecy will  ever  be  history  ?  What  is  known  of  that  man  called 
Napoleon  ?  What  motive  can  he  or  any  other  human  being 
have,  in  conquering  all  Europe  with  three  hundred  millions  of 
inhabitants,  and  reducing  them  all  to  slavery  and  to  demorali- 
zation ?  asked  Mr.  Mitford. 

The  same  motive  that  all  Catholics  and  tyrants  have  had,  to 
debase  the  mind  before  they  enslave  the  people.  Only  five 
men  in  one  hundred  can  read  and  write  in  France,  and  Napo- 
leon intends  that  all  Europe  shall  be  reduced  to  the  same  hor- 
rid condition,  said  Lord  Ashburton. 

You  do  not  think  that  Europe  is  doomed  to  such  a  fate  ? 
Is  England  to  be  involved  in  the  same  calamities  ?  I  cannot 
live  to  see  it.  Is  it  the  decree  of  Providence  that  Tyranny 
shall  prevail,  and  that  Protestantism  and  Freedom  shall  per- 
ish ?     I  shake  with  horror  !  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

It  will  be  fortunate  for  you,  if  your   house  does  not  shake  ! 


DESPOTISM.  63 

I  should  not  like  to  purchase  the  India  Company  bonds,  but  I 
will  say  nothing  to  injure  the  standing  of  your  house,  or  any 
other,  said  Lord  Ashburton,  as  he  turned  from  Mr.  Mitt'ord, 

Have  you  heard  of  the  important  discovery  ?  asked  Mr. 
Wiggin. 

What  is  it  ?  asked  Mr.  Peabody. 

It  is  discovered  that  the  British  Government  have  paid 
three  millions  sterling,  for  transporting  their  paupers  and 
criminals  to  the  United  States.*  The  United  Slates  are  ruined, 
said  Mr.  Wiggin. 

How  long  has  the  Government  been  sending  secretly  their 
paupers  and  their  criminals  ?  asked  Mr.  Peabody. 

All  the  circumstances  connected  with  this  stupendous  fraud 
have  not  yet  come  before  the  public.  A  secret  commission 
from  a  new  party  in  the  United  States  are  now  investigating 
this  outrageous  fraud,  and  it  is  reported  that  nearly  one 
half  the  emigrants  from  Ireland  have  been  from  the  poor- 
houses  and  the  prisons.  I  learn  that  one  party  in  the  United 
States  were  conniving  at  this  importation,  and  were  putting  a 
free  vote  into  their  hands  as  soon  as  they  were  on  their  soil. 
All  of  this  double  fraud  is  not  known  to  the  public, — but 
enough  is  already  known  to  arouse  the  indignation  of  the 
whole  country,  said  Mr.  Wiggin. 

What  will  be  the  vote  of  these  beggars  and  convicts  ?  Will 
it  not  always  be  for  men  who  represent  the  vices  and  the  in- 
temperance of  the  country  that  they  leave  ?  Will  not  the  offi- 
cers elected  by  such  men  be  as  immoral  as  they  are  ?  asked 
Mr.  Peabody. 

Certainly  !     Nothing  is  so  dangerous  to  a.  free  country  as 


*  A  recent  number  of  the  London  Times  has  a  paragraph  sajing  that  the  British  Gorern- 
ment  have  given  ordersito  pay  for  transporting  no  more  able  bodied  paupers  to  the  United 
States,  as  they  are  wanted  in  the  Russian  war.  This  confirms  the  fact  that  the  British 
Government  have  always  paid  for  transporting  paupers,  and  do  still  pay  for  the  old  amj 
sick,  for  females  and  children.    January,  1S56. 


64  DESPOTISM. 

ignorance  and  vice,  clothed  with  political  power.  England 
would  not  exist  one  year,  if  every  ignorant  man  were  a  voter. 
France  has  shown  us  the  evils  of  ignorance,  and  democracy, 
and  is  now  governed  by  tyrants,  said  Mr.  Wiggin. 

Will  America  fall  under  the  rule  of  the  Catholics,  and  go 
back  to  the  darkness  which  existed  for  ages,  when  they  bad 
tlie  rule  over  all  Europe  ?  asked  Mr.  Peabody. 

Of  course  they  will.  They  are  rapidly  approaching  that 
condition.  The  Catholics  are  already  a  political  party,  bound 
together  by  the  strongest  bonds  that  can  bind  an  ignorant  and 
superstitious  race  of  beings  under  one  head  ;  and  the  liierar- 
chy  is  so  powerful  as  to  claim  their  places  in  the  American 
cabinet,  and  one-third  of  all  the  offices  of  the  country.  When 
these  beings  were  in  power  in  England,  any  man  who  wrote  a 
book,  or  made  an  astronomical  discovery,  was  subjected  to 
trial  in  the  Inquisition,  and  to  certain  death  on  the  wheels  of 
torture.  Nearly  all  the  early  writers  of  our  classic  literature 
were  the  victims  of  these  wretches,  and  in  all  Europe  were 
murdered  for  hundreds  of  years  without  mercy,  said  Mr.  AVig- 
gin,  as  he  turned  to  join  his  friends. 

Do  you  regard  intemperance  as  unfavorable  to  high  intel- 
lectual eflfurt  ?  asked  ]\[r.  Burke. 

Certainly  I  do.  Did  it  not  destroy  the  intellect  of  Fox, 
wlio  was  your  devoted  friend,  and  the  only  man  of  talents 
sufficient  to  match  you  in  Parliament  ?  Did  you  not  both 
shed  tears  when  you  quarreled  on  the  great  Canadian  bill,  and 
did  he  not  tell  you  that  he  had  been  dining  and  drinking  with 

Bishop ,  and  that  he  was  the  victim  of  an  infirmity  against 

which  he  had  no  defense  ?*  Fox,  you  know,  like  all  Catholics, 
would  have  his  happy  days,  and  at  such  times  was  unfit  for 
business.  His  greatest  misfortune  was,  that  at  such  times  he 
lost  all  self-respect,  and  disgraced  himself  by  accusing  others 
of  his  own  failings.     In  moments  of  inebriety  he  accused  men 

*  For  this  fact  read  Alison'is  History. 


DESPOTISM.  65 

of  falsehood,  and  repeated  his  offensive  charges  till  he  would 
have  been  personally  chastised,  if  it  had  not  been  well  known 
that  he  was  under  the  influence  of  an  enemy  that  spares  no 
Catholic.  Their  social  habits  are  the  never-failing  ruin  of 
them  all.  Fox  made  most  free  use  of  his  vile  epithets  of  false- 
hood, 1,  2  and  3,  when  addressing  our  most  respectable  citi- 
zens, and"  those  who  stood  the  highest  in  the  estimation  of  all 
respectable  men.  There  is  no  estimating  the  injury  that  a 
man  may  do  in  society,  when  he  throws  off  all  the  restraints 
and  the  courtesies  of  life,  and  hurls  his  charges  of  falsehood 
on  all  who  do  their  duty.  Such  men  must  be  disposed  of — 
their  presence  is  an  affliction  that  the  country  will  not  endure. 
These  men  are  increasing  in  number,  and  in  an  assumption  of 
power  that  renders  them  intolerable,  and  they  shall  be  remov- 
ed !  The  mode  of  effecting  it  is  not  to  be  regarded  so  much 
as  the  certainty  of  its  result.  These  low  views  have  destroyed 
one  half  the  Catholics  of  talent  and  literary  fame,  and  are 
yearly  making  greater  and  greater  inroads  upon  society,  and 
filling  the  world  with  widows  and  orphans.  Did  not  Savage, 
Chatterton,  Burns,  and  hundreds  of  our  most  talented  men, 
statesmen,  bishops,  priests,  and  professional  men,  go  down  to 
the  grave  unlamented  ?  Has  not  every  man  who  has  seceded 
from  the  Christian  faith,  and  joined  the  Catholics,  shown  that 
his  habits  were  Catholic  habits  before  his  mind  was  destroyed 
and  his  character  lost  ?  Is  a  single  one  of  them  regarded  as 
sane  ?  asked  Pitt. 

Certainly  not.  You  reason  well,  and  I  agree  with  you.  I 
am  sure  that  no  respectable  or  sober  man  ever  calls  those  with 
whom  he  differs  liars,  and  such  e|:)ithets  as  come  only  from  the 
lower  classes  of  society,  said  Mr.  Burke. 

Men  of  principle,  men  of  mild  and  amiable  qualities  speak 
with  kindness  when  they  differ  on  any  question  in  which  the 
public  are  concerned.  When  private  differences  call  out  such 
remarks,  and  arouse  the  bad  passions,  a  duel,  or  a  death-like 


66  DESPOTISM. 

conflict  often  terminates  a  heated  and  passionate  accusation. 
The  course  of  habits  that  leads  to  these  painful  results  is  un- 
derstood by  all,  and  no  person  can  mistake  them.  Are  not 
the  Irish  people,  including  the  priests,  the  greatest  drinkers  in 
the  world  ?  There  are  in  Dublin  three  hundred  thousand  per- 
sons who  spend  one  shilling  (twenty  five  cents)  every  day  in 
drink  and  tobacco.  This  amounts  in  one  year  to  twenty-seven 
millions  of  dollars  •  and  they  have  in  the  city  sixty  thousand 
adults  and  twenty  thousand  children  who  beg,  or  steal,  or 
starve  !  Private  charity  is  taxed  beyond  endurance,  and  yet 
twenty  thousand  children  are  reared  in  the  street,  and  allow- 
ed, when  ruined,  to  send  back  upon  society  a  pestilence  that 
sickens  the  heart.  Nothing  has  degraded  Ireland  so  much  as 
her  intemperance,  and  her  unmarried  priests ;  and  under  their 
rule  she  has  positively  gone  backward  in  the  scale  of  civiliza- 
tion, and  will  soon  reach  that  point  at  which  she  will  be  en- 
tirely inaccessible  to  any  beneficial  influences.  They  drink 
and  propagate  as  thoughtlessly  as  rabbits,  and  their  intellect 
shows  us  how  brutalized  they  are.  If  3000  drinking  places 
take  50  dollars  each  day  from  the  earnings  of  the  poor,  it 
amounts  to  54  millions  in  one  year.  Your  speeches  are  ad- 
mitted by  all  to  be  the  greatest  productions  of  human  genius, 
and  so  I  regard  them — and  you  know  that  1  venerate  Cicero, 
said  Pitt. 

I  did  once  drink  before  I  commenced  a  speech,  but  my  great- 
est eflTorts  have  been  made  since  I  gave  up  the  use  of  all  stim- 
ulants ;  and  I  am  satisfied  that  I  have  since  been  a  more  in- 
tellectual, more  healthy,  and  a  more  moral  man,  said  Burke.* 

What  can  ever  be  done  for  such  a  nation  as  Ireland  ?  I 
do  wish  there  was  no  such  country  in  existence.  They  can- 
not be  elevated,  they  cannot  be  educated,  they  are  led  by  the 


*  Read  Burke's  Speech  in  the  British  Parliament  on  the  war  with  America,  in  Cham- 
bers' Cyclopedia,  Vol.  11.  page  229. 


"despotism.  67 

ignorant  priests,  and  are  constantly  engaged  in  treason,  and 
are  ever  the  victims  of  a  blind  superstition.  By  opposing  all 
lavp,  they  are  the  mutual  destroyers  of  each  other.  I  can  gov- 
ern fifteen  millions  of  Protestants  in  England,  but  I  cannot 
govern  five  millions  of  Catholics  in  Ireland,  and  I  am  in  de- 
spair. I  do  think  a  Catholic  hierarchy  is  the  most  abomina- 
ble institution  ever  constructed  by  an  evil  spirit,  and  I  sincere- 
ly wish  that  Cromwell  had  obliterated  them  all  when  they  de- 
stroyed two  hundred  thousand  Protestants,  said  Pitt. 

If  you,  with  your  abilities,  cannot  govern  these  beings,  who 
can  ?  You  were  made  Prime  Minister  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
six,  and  the  country  has  had  no  occasion  to  regret  your  ele- 
vation. The  war  that  is  now  approaching  may  give  you  some 
trouble,  but  if  I  do  not  mistake  the  signs  of  the  times,  an  Irish 
rebellion  will  give  you  infinitely  more. 

We  have  yielded  every  thing  to  these  Catholics,  but  every 
concession  has  but  increased  their  demands,  and  nothing  will 
ever  still  their  ceaseless  agitation  and  their  civil  dissensions, 
said  Pitt,  as  he  turned  from  Burke. 

Miss  Eivers,  you  will,  I  hope,  excuse  me,  I  have  been 
deeply  engaged,  but  to  atone  for  past  omissions  I  have  brought 
Lord  Fitzgerald.  My  Lord,  I  will  introduce  you  to  Miss 
Eivers.  Lord  Pitzgerald  bowed.  Miss  Rivers,  the  niece  of 
Lord  Rivers,  is  from  Paris,  where  she  has  resided  for  ten  years 
in  the  family  of  the  Uuke  of  Orleans.  If  you  and  your  Irish 
patriots  wish  to  join  France,  she  will  negotiate  the  treaty,  said 
Mrs.  Rogers,  laughingly,  as  she  turned  awa3^ 

Miss  Rivers,  I  am  pleased  to  see  you  in  London.  Your 
name  has  been  spoken,  in  France,  in  connection  with  events 
that  are  now  deeply  interesting  three  nations.  Will  you  allow 
me  to  converse  with  you  in  the  adjoining  room  ?  asked  Lord 
Fitzgerald. 

I  recollect  that  you  have  visited  France  often,  said  Miss 
Rivers. 


68  DESPOTISM., 

I  have  been  to  Paris,  and  have  seen  some  of  the  leading 
men  ;  but  of  these  visits  I  am  not  now  to  speak.  Have  you 
heard  of  the  condition  of  Ireland,  which  has  brought  me  and 
my  personal  friends  to  London  ?  asked  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

I  have,  and  I  deeply  sympathize  with  you,  said  Miss  Rivers. 

You  say  that  you  sympathize  with  us  ; — report  says  that 
the  Duke  of  Orleans  and  a  powerful  club  in  Paris  desire  the 
freedom  of  Ireland,  and  would  assist  her.  Do  you  think  this 
is  the  case  ?  asked  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

I  have  no  doubt  of  it — I  know  it,  said  Miss  Rivers. 

Do  you  return  immediately  to  Paris  ?  asked  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

That  depends  upon  the  friends  with  whom  I  am  in  consul- 
tation, said  Miss  Rivers. 

Miss  Rivers,  you  will  excuse  me,  but  I  will  with  your  per- 
mission reject  all  disguise,  and  say  to  you  that  I  am  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  friends  to  whom  you  have  alluded,  and  the 
purposes  for  which  we  all  meet  in  London.  Beyond  our  own 
circle,  I  think  there  is  not  in  London  a  single  person  at  this 
moment  who  suspects  that  Ireland  is  in  full  communion  and 
daily  intercourse  with  Napoleon  and  the  Directory  of  France 
said  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

My  Lord,  since  you  have  thrown  off  all  disguise,  I  will  ad- 
mit, in  the  most  rigid  confidence,  that  I  know  every  circum- 
stance connected  with  the  union  of  France  and  Ireland  !  I 
have  had  frequent  interviews  in  Paris  with  Emmet  and  Tone, 
and  with  General  Roche,  and  all  the  details  are  settled  !  Your 
name,  your  devotion  to  Ireland,  your  great  wealth,  your  mili- 
tary knowledge,  have  all  been  discussed  in  France,  and  with 
you  I  am  to  perform  my  mission.  You  will  excuse  me,  my 
Lord,  but  I  differ  from  you  entirely  in  one  important  particu- 
lar. I  believe  that  you,  Emmet,  O'Connor,  and  McNevin 
are  watched,  and  I  know  that  I  am  !  I  am  followed  every- 
where !     My  advice  to   you   and  to  your  friends  is  to  leave 


DESPOTISM.  69 

London  immediately.     If  we  are  detected,  our  lives  will  pay 
the  penalty  of  our  patriotism,  said  Miss  Elvers. 

There  are  facts.  Miss  Rivers,  that  I  must  first  learn  from 
you.  I  have  no  doubt  you  can  give  me  the  information  on  the 
nature  of  which  depends  the  fate  of  Ireland  !  Can  we  depend 
on  substantial  assistance  from  France  ?  Will  General  Hoche 
land  an  army  at  Bantry  Bay  ?  We  have  had  reports  without 
number — it  is  for  facts  that  we  now  propose  these  questions  to 
you,  said  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

The  French  people  are  with  you,  and  will  do  all  in  their 
power  to  assist  you  :  their  efforts  will  be  limited  only  by  their 
means.  The  Directory,  composed  of  Danton,  Eobespierre, 
and  Murat,  are  in  constant  correspondence  with  Napoleon, 
who  has  no  desire  so  stronsj  as  the  annihilation  of  England. 
He  has  written  to  the  Directory  to  have  every  preparation 
made  for  the  English  Invasion,  but  he  is  wanting  money  to 
effect  his  great  designs.  W.  Tone,  your  Irish  friend  and  co- 
patriot,  has  accepted  the  appointment  of  General  in  the  French 
invading  army  under  General  Hoche,  and  will  with  him  make 
a  descent  on  Ireland  at  or  near  Bantry  B.ay — and  to  inform 
you  of  this  fact,  and  that  you  may  be  prepared  for  this  im- 
portant step  toward  the  independence  of  Ireland,  is  one  of 
my  objects  in  visiting  London.  You  may  rely  on  the  assist- 
ance of  France  with  perfect  certainty.  The  King  of  Spahi 
is  ready  to  assist  in  a  war  against  any  Protestant  State,  and 
the  Spanish  fleet  will  join  the  French,  and  land  an  immense 
force  on  the  coast  of  Ireland  that  will  be  able  to  march  to 
London,  and  we  think  subdue  it.  The  success  of  Ireland  is 
absolutely  certain,  said  Miss  Rivers. 

I  will  communicate  this  intelligence  to  my  friends  now  here 
immediately,  and  request  them  to  hold  no  conversation  with 
you,  and  not  to  notice  you  in  any  place  in  which  you  may 
happen  to  meet,  said  Lord  Fitzgerald. 


70  DESPOTISM. 

These  conditions  are  the  only  ones  on  which  I  will  consent 
to  remain  in  Loudon  one  hour,  said  Miss  Rivers. 

My  last  iettei^  from  Paris  say  that  Hoche  cannot  leave 
with  more  than  five  thousand  men  and  forty  thousand  stand  of 
arms,  but  more  troops' will  follow  immediately.  This  number 
of  men  is  entirely  too  small ;  we  must  have  twenty  thousand 
men  and  one  hundred  thousand  stand  of  arms  at  once.  We 
have  three  hundred  thousand  men  enrolled,  all  of  whom  meet 
nightly  in  numbers  not  exceeding  twelve  persons,  to  which 
number  all  assemblies  are  limited  by  English  law.  The  lower 
lodge  of  twelve  men  are  called  lodge  A,  and  the  next  above, 
lodge  B,  and  the  next  lodge  C.  Lodge  A  sends  one  man  to 
lodge  B,  and  lodge  B  sends  one  to  lodge  C.  In  this  organi- 
zation of  twelve  men,  is  concentrated  a  centralized  govern- 
ment of  United  Irishmen,  and  a  more  systematic  arrangement 
was  never  effected.  The  whole  is  based  on  the  Catholic  hier- 
archy, with  the  Pope,  Cardinals,  Bishops,  Priests,  Friars, 
and  the  laity,  and  has  exactly  the  same  secret  construction, 
and  the  same  holy  object,  said  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

Are  you  sure  of  success  if  France  performs  her  part  of  the 
contract  ?  asked  Miss  Rivers. 

Absolutely  sure,  said  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

You  must  reSoct  that  England  is  yet  powerful,  although 
contending  against  half  the  world.  Ireland  is  not  unanimous  ; 
the  most  wealthy  classes,  and  nearly  all  the  Protestants,  are 
against  you.  The  civil  war  will  be  horrible  !  It  will  be  the 
most  fatal  war  that  the  passions  ever  kindled,  and  extermina- 
tion lo  one  party  is  almost  certain.  Is  it  not  possible  that  Ire- 
land, divided  as  she  is,  and  opposed  by  England,  may  have 
to  yield  to  superior  power  ?  If  Ireland  should  be  vanquished, 
what  will  be  the  fate  of  all  your  patriotic  friends  ?  Are 
they  willing  to  risk  their  lives  in  the  cause  ?  If  Ireland  does 
succeed,  can  two  powerful  nations  live  in  peace,  separated  on- 


DESPOTISM.  71 

]y  by  a  few  miles  of  ocean  ?  Will  there  not  be  perpetual  war 
between  them  ?  asked  Miss  Kivers. 

Your  question  is  a  natural  one.  There  will  be  a  contin- 
ual war — a  war  of  extermination  !  This  condition  is  the  very 
one  that  we  desire  to  effect.  We  intend  to  destroy  every 
Englishman,  and  re-people  England  with  our  own  country- 
men— first  giving  England  to  pillage  !  There  will  be  no  peace 
now,  or  ever,  till  this  is  accomplished — and  Ireland  to  a  man 
is  sworn  to  effect  it,  or  die  in  the  attempt !  The  Catholics  of 
Ireland  did  not  embrace  the  reformation,  and  there  is,  and 
ever  will  be,  a  deadly  feud  between  the  two  nations,  I  fear, 
unless  one  is  exterminated,  said  Lord  Fitzgerald. 

Col.  Wellesly*  is  now  in  the  adjoining  room  ;  what  would 
be  his  feelings  if  he  were  to  hear  our  conversation  ?  The  Co- 
lonel has  acquired  a  great  name  in  India,  and  is  undoubtedly 
the  greatest  commander  of  this  or  any  other  age.  I  shall  be 
sorry  to  see  him  leading  an  army  against  Ireland,  or  against 
Erance  ! 

You  will  excuse  my  feelings — but  I  have  resided  so 
long  in  France,  (having  been  educated  with  the  sons  of  the 
Duke  of  Orleans,)  I  could  not  fail  to  partake  of  the  senti- 
ments of  those  around  me.  Whatever  my  feelings  for  Eng- 
land once  were,  my  sympathy  now  is  with  France,  and  I  do 
sincerely  desire  to  see  her,  and  Ireland,  and  all  the  nations, 
enjoying  the  liberty  of  a  free  democratic  Constitution — like 
the  great  American  nation.  But  when  I  look  at  the  sea  of 
blood,  through  which  France,  beloved  France,  and  poor 
devoted  Ireland,  are  to  find  their  way  to  a  better  social 
position,  I  must  say  to  you,  my  heart  bleeds,  and  I  hesitate 
as  to  the  course  that  duty  shall  indicate.  What  is  to  be  the 
fate  of  beloved,  adored  France  ? 

*  Afterward  Duke  of  Wellington. 


72  DESPOTISM. 

Oh  that  I  could  but  see  peace  and  happiness  restored, 
and  a  mild  Government  ruling  over  an  injured  people  !  I  do 
beheve  that  a  great  conflict  is  approaching  that  will  astonish 
the  world  !  Happy  will  it  be  if  some  name  yet  unknov^-n, 
shall  lead  these  nations  through  the  horrors  that  I  sometimes 
see  approaching. 

My  Lord,  I  sometimes  think  that  your  military  genius  is 
destined  to  light  up  a  new  era  in  your  country's  greatness. — 
Are  you  sure  that  you  are  in  the  right  path  to  the  eminence 
that  you  would  die  to  attain  ?■  Is  W.  Tone  the  man  for  your 
country's  idol?  Are  all  of  your  associates  men  of  honor,  and 
are  they  led  by  high  motives,  and  have  they  the  talents  on 
which  Ireland  can  rest,  when  victory  and  independence  are 
achieved. 

There  is  one  name  that  I  could  wish  to  see  rising  to  emin- 
ence associated  with  Col.  Wellesly  !  I  need  not  name  him  ! 
I  have  had  frequeni  conversations  with  Col.  "VVellesly,  and  I 
am  sure  he  possesses  a  genius  of  the  highest  order.  His  coun- 
try is  the  idol  of  his  worship,  and  his  soul  is  lighted  up  with 
an  enthusiasm  that  seems  burning  for  the  battle-field,  in  which 
his  country  is  to  gain  immortal  honors,  and  to-  rise  above  all 
others,  or  sink  in  ruin  to  an  early  grave.  England,  with  all 
her  noble  souls,  is  she  to  sink  ?  Cannot  all  prosper  toge- 
ther ?  May  I  not  hope  to  see  you  allied  to  Wellesly,  perilling 
your  lives  for  the  mutual  glory  of  Ireland  and  England,  in 
scenes  of  noble  daring  ?  asked  Miss  Rivers. 

Miss  Rivers,  I  dare  not  trust  myself  to  prolong  this  inter- 
view. I  could  converse  till  forgetting  myself  in  your  pres- 
ence, I  might  betray  a  weakness  that  would  ill  become  one 
in  my  position.  I  could  discuss  any  subject  with  you,  and  it 
would,  I  am  sure,  increase  in  interest  as  long  as  you  bestowed 
upon  it  the  energies  of  your  intellect,  and  your  warm  heart. — 
I  do  hope  to  converse  with  you  often  on  this  important 
step  in  my  country's  progress  to  glory,  or  ignominy  :  but  the 


DESPOTISM.  73 

hour  admonishes  me  that  we  must  leave  our  social  enjoyment. 
I  sincerely  hope  that  it  is  to  be  renewed,  and  continued  daily, 
said  Lord  F,  as  he  bid  adieu  for  the  night. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,   our  levee  will  be  held  at  my  father's 
house  on  Wednesday  next.     We  shall  be  pleased  to  receive 
the  calls  of  all  our  friends,  said  Miss  Mitford 
4 


74  DESrOTISM, 


CHAPTEE    III. 


THE    POWER    OF    GENIUS. 

Sweet  Mc3i>ory,  TvafteiJ  by  the  gentle  gale, 
Oft  up  the  stream  of  Time  t  turn  ray  sail, 
To  view  the  fKivy-haunts  of  long  lost  hours, 
Blest  with  far  greener  shades,  far  fresher  flowers* 

Ages  anil  climes  remote  to  Thee  impart 
What  charms  in  Genius,  and  refines  in  Art  ; 
Thee,  in  whose  hands  the  key  of  Science  dwell 
The  pensive  fortress  of  her  holy  cell  ; 
Whnse  constant  vigils  chase  the  chilling  damp 
O&livion  steals  upon  b«r  vestal-lamp. 


BoGEES. 


Sir  Hubert  Mitford  was  one  of  the  richest  bankers  in 
London.  At  his  levees,  given  on  Wednesday  of  each  alter- 
nate week,  he  entertained  a  circle  not  surpassed  by  any  in 
that  _ai"*^'iit  city. 

Mr.  ]\[itrord  was  fortunate  in  possessing  great  wealth,  but 
more  foituuate  in  possessing  the  taste  of  tlie  Medici.  In 
every  thing  connected  with  the  arts,  his  taste  was  the  stand- 
ard to  which  all  matters  were  referred. 

His  collection  of  paintings,  statues,  medals,  and  every  arti- 
cle of  interest  to  the  connoisseur,  was  not  surpassed  by  any 
of  the  nobility.     His  house  was  lighted  with  gas,  then  just  in- 


DESPOTISM.  75 

vented,  and  its  dazzling  splendor  was  the  admiration  of  all. — 
To  all  who  visited  London,  and  brought  letters  to  ]\[r.  Mit- 
ford,  or  transacted  business  at  his  bank,  tickets  to  these  le- 
vees were  presented. 

There  were  more  than  five  hundred  persons  assembled  at 
his  house,  and  among  them  were  many  literary  persons  of 
both  sexes,  and  the  nobility  in  great  numbers. 

Miss  Mitford,  were  you  pleased  with  your  reception  at  Mrs. 
Rogers'  party  ?  asked  Lord  Byron. 

I  was  delighted.  There  are  but  few  ladies  who  entertain 
their  company  with  her  finished  grace  and  ease.  There  were 
more  than  five  hundred  persons  present  at  her  party,  and  she 
was  as  much  at  ease  as  were  her  guests.  My  Lord,  I  believe 
you  are  acquainted  with  nearly  all  our  friends ;  if  there  are 
any  with  whom  you  are  not  acquainted,  I  will,  with  great 
pleasure,  introduce  you. 

There  are  now  assembled  Sir  J.  Herschell,  Sir  D.  Brew- 
ster, Dr.  Buckland,  Wm.  Bickford,  Wm.  Falconer,  R.  B. 
Sheridan,  Mr.  Madon,  Wm.  Pitt,  Mr.  Fox,  Mr.  Pultney,  Sir 
Edward  Pellew,  Lord  Minto,  Mrs.  Inchbald,  George  Cole- 
man, J.  Bowring,  Duke  of  Suffolk,  Earl  of  Cumberland,  Duke 
of  Bridgwater,  Marquis  of  Stafford,  Lady  F.  Stanley,  Lady 
J.  Granville,  Miss  Pamela  Rivers,  Lord  Fitzgerald,  Colo- 
nel Wellesly,  Mr.  Emmett,  Dr.  McDevin,  Rev.  Sidney 
Smith,  Lord  Jeffrey,  Robert  Southey,  Sir  Francis  Head, 
J.  S.  Buckingham,  Thomas  Moore,  Dr.  R.  Heber,  T.  B.  Ma- 
caulay,  and  Sir  E.  L.  Bulwer,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

I  am  acquainted  with  nearly  all  your  company,  Miss  Mit- 
ford, and  am  delighted  to  meet  so  many  of  my  particular 
friends — the  literary  names  seem  to  be  greater  than  usual,  said 
Lord  Byron. 

Have  you  ever  heard  of  the  Kemble  family,  or  of  Yic,  the 
daughter  whom  I  have  partially  adopted  ?  asked  ]\[iss 
Ty^tford. 


76  DESPOTISM. 

Incidentally  I  have,  but  I  am  not  familiar  with  their  bit^to- 
ry.  I  know  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kemble  were  eminent  in  their 
profession,  and  resided  some  years  in  the  street  near  me, 
Avhere  I  understand  they  died  in  great  poverty,  said  Lord 
Byron. 

The  children  are  to  have  a  play  performed  this  evening  for 
the  benefit  of  Vic,  in  which  she  will  take  a  part.  They  will 
have  another  exhibition  soon,  and  Mrs.  Barbauld  has  inform- 
ed me  that  you  are  constantly  writing  for  the  unfortunate — 
will  you  write  a  prologue  for  their  play  ?  You  will  confer  a 
great  obliuation  on  a  deserving  child,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

I  certiiinly  will.  I  know  the  family  were  once  in  a  high  po- 
sition, and  I  I'egret  to  learn  that  the  children  were  left  depen- 
dent on  cliaiity,  said  Lord  Byron,  as  he  turned  from  Miss 
Mitford. 

Mrs.  J3arl)auld,  Vic  wished  me  to  ask  you  to  write  an  epi- 
logue for  ler  to  recite.  Do  you  know  that  Vic's  two  brothers 
are  to  appear  in  a  play,  assisted  by  half  a  dozen  of  our  friends  ? 
You,  or  your  daughter,  would  confer  a  great  favor  on  these 
poor  children,  if  you  would  write  a  play  suited  to  their  years 
and  their  dependent  condition.  If  I  had  your  talents,  I  w^ould 
write  a  phiy  that  should  touch  the  hearts  of  all  who  should 
hear  it;  but  I  have  no  talent  in  pathetic  scenes.  My  plays 
are  not  written  as  yours  are — they  will  not  stand  the  test  of 
rigid  criticism — they  may  please  for  a  time,  but  will  soon  pass 
from  the  stage.  Vic  and  her  brothers  will  have  to  perform 
Itienzi,  or  Julian,  for  the  want  of  a  better  play.  The  Duke 
would  be  pleased  to  do  anything  in  his  power  but  he  is  a  bet- 
ter actor  than  writer,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

I  shall  certainly  recollect  your  suggestion,  and  I  will  ask 
my  daughter  to  present  her  new  play  to  Vic,  when  it  is  com- 
pleted, said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  will  you  walk  to  the  large  hall  ?  Ri- 
enx.i  will  now  be  performed,  said  Miss  Mitford. 


DESPOTISM.  77 

As  the  company  reached  the  hall,  they  seated  themselves 
near  the  sta^e,  and  the  room  was  soon  crowded.  Miss  Kem- 
ble  arrived  without  attracting  any  notice,  and  had  reached  the 
hall.  The  whole  company  seemed  delighted.  They  were,  for 
the  first  time,  to  hear  the  voice  of  a  mere  child ;  but  it  was  a 
child  to  whom,  from  her  talents  and  misfortunes,  they  were 
tenderly  attached. 

The  bell  rang.  The  curtain  rose,  and  Miss  Kemble  and 
!Miss  Mitford  were  in  the  same  scene!  Miss  Mitford  recited 
her  part,  and  Miss  Kemble  commenced  her  reply.  A  shout 
of  applause  commenced,  and  was  continued  for  some  minutes. 
The  play  proceeded.  The  countenance  of  every  person  indi- 
cated their  enjoyment,  and  applause  was  frequent.  At  the 
close  of  the  play,  arose  a  deafening  shout,  and  the  enthusiasm 
could  not  have  been  greater  !  But  one  opinion  wa^  expressed. 
No  persons  could  have  performed  with  more  taste  or  talent. 

But  the  play.  What  do  you  think  of  Rienzi  ?  was  the  ques- 
tion submitted  to  all,  and  answered  by  all.  No  play  could  be 
written  in  which  the  passions  were  exhibited  with  more  truth. 

Was  the  play  the  best,  or  was  the  acting  better  than  the 
play  ?  were  the  questions  submitted. 

The  party  left  for  the  parlor. 

Miss  Mitford,  allow  me  to  congratulate  you.  I  never  saw 
better  acting  than  yours.  Miss  Kemble,  or  Vic,  as  you  call 
her,  performed  with  wonderful  talent.  We  could  almost  sup- 
pose that  she  was  familiar  with  the  stage,  said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

AVhich  do  you  think  was  most  talented  of  them  all  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Rogers. 

It  is  not  easy  to  de.'^ignate  one,  where  all  performed  so  well. 
I  think,  Mrs.  Rogers,  these  young  persons  are  destined  to 
build  a  high  reputation — they  have  unusual  talents.  Do  any 
of  them  contemplate  going  on  to  the  stage  ?  They  will  be  an 
ornament  to  any  station,   but  I  do  hope  they  will  not  go  upon 


78  DESPOTISM. 

the  stage — there  is  no  reward  that  can  compensate  for  the  toil 
and  labor  of  an  actress,  said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

Mr.  Sheridan,  I  have  had  no  compliments  for  my  perform- 
ance, and  not  very  decided  ones  for  my  Rienzi.  Yon  tiave 
written  The  School  for  Scandal,  The  Critic  and  the  Rivals, 
and  other  plays — will  you  give  me  a  candid  opinion  of  my  per- 
formance? I  feel  interested  in  obtaining  tlie  opinion  of  a 
critic  like  yourself,  both  of  my  acting  and  my  play,  said  Miss 
Mitford. 

Miss  Mitford,  why  do  you  ask  my  opinion  with  so  much 
earnestness?  If  you  were  a  poor  girl,  and  contemplated  go- 
ing on  to  the  stage  for  a  profession,  I  might  give  you  a  very 
different  opinion  from  the  one  I  shall  now  give  you.  Your 
father's  immense  wealth  precludes  the  possibility  of  your 
going  on  to  the  stage,  said  Mr.  Sheridan. 

Mr.  Sheridan,  will  you  oblige  me  so  much  as  to  give  me 
your  opinion  of  my  play,  and  of  my  acting,  as  if  you  thought 
me  doomed  to  earn  my  living  upon  the  stage  ?  I  may  be 
poor  !  It  would  delight  me  to  know  that  Lam  not  only  above 
the  possibility  of  want,  but  that  I  have  the  elements  of  wealth, 
the  ability  to  acquire  property,  and  the  genius  to  acquire  a 
name — a  name  that  will  live  when  I  am  no  more.  How  glo- 
rious it  would  be  if  I  could  place  my  name  by  the  side  of  the 
great  names  of  our  country  !  Wealth  is  a  fickle  bird,  and  now 
perches  on  my  father's  house  !  To-morrow  it  may  spread  its 
wings  and  fly  from  him  forever.  If  he  should  be  unfortunate  ! 
— the  thought  appals  me  !  llow  hard  he  has  toiled  all  his  life  ! 
He  has  allowed  himself  no  relaxation  !  Work  by  day — work 
by  night  I  His  was  the  unceasing  toil  and  anxiety  tliat  de- 
stroy all  enjoyment,  and  eat  into  the  heart  I  There  is  no  re- 
ward for  such  a  life  I  The  world  was  not  made  for  such  toils. 
AYhat  can  such  a  life  be  worth  ?  And  is  it  not  the  life  of 
every  merchant  ?  Who  can  estimate  their  sacrifices  ?  Who 
knows  their  sufferino:s  ?     And  all    of  this  he  has  endured  for 


DESPOTISM.  79 

years,  to  accumulate  a  fortune  for  me,  an  only  child,  to  en- 
joy. Can  I  think  of  it  with  indiflerence  ?  He  has  bestowed 
fortunes  on  my  education,  and  has  placed  me  in  scenes  of  splen- 
dor. My  instructors  have  been  the  most  eminent  tliat  in  Lon- 
don or  Europe  could  be  called  to  my  aid.  Every  hmguage, 
every  science,  every  art  that  could  embellish  intellect  has  been 
at  my  command.  Professors  have  poured  out  the  treasures 
of  classic  lore.  Music  has  drawn  around  me  the  inspiring 
hopes  and  joys  that  the  greatest  genius  and  the  highest  ac- 
quirements could  give.  The  mind  is  never  satisfied  with  its 
own  achievements,  and  ever  asks  for  light  to  guide  it  upward. 
To  all  that  life,  brilliant,  glorious  life,  and  all  its  highest  en- 
joyments eould  give,  I  have  been  taught  to  see  a  more  perfect 
life  to  come.  I  should  make  a  poor  return  for  all  that  he  has 
done  for  me,  if  I  were  not  to  feel  that  I  can  do  something  that 
v.'ill  reflect  credit  on  myself,  on  my  country,  on  literature,  and 
on  his  name.  His  education  qualified  him  for  society,  and  at 
his  table  he  has  entertained  the  literary  and  the  refined.  His 
heart  was  open  to  the  claims  of  charity,  but  his  right  hand 
knew  not  the  names  of  the  recipients.  He  has  a  partner  in 
Paris,  from,  whom  he  expects  a  richer  harvest  than  ever  came 
from  the  land  of  gold  !  Alas,  he  may  be  disappointed  !  If 
he  should  be,  how  glorious  the  thought  of  placing  him  in  the 
same  high  position  thai  he  sought  to  win  !  Mr.  Sheridan,  do 
you  think  I  can  make  an  actress  ?  asked  Miss  Mitford. 

Miss  Mitford,  you  can  accomplish  any  thing  1  You  have  a 
genius  glowing  with  the  fire  of  poetry  and  imagination.  Y^ou 
can  scale  the  loftiest  heights  that  intellect  has  won.  All  the 
bright  hopes  that  gleam  through  the  vista  as  you  look  upward, 
shall  be  to  you  realities.  If  I  had  your  genius,  I  would  place 
my  eye  on  the  apex  of  Fame's  proud  temple,  and  I  would 
reach  it,  or  die  in  the  attempt  1  Do  not  waste  your  time  in 
study  — look  to  the  achievments  of  no  one — soar  above  them 
all  J     Strike  out  from  your  own   armory  the   thoughts   that 


80  DESPOTISM. 

shall  kindle  enthusiasm,  and  the  words  that  shall  charm  the 
taste.  Give  loose  reins  to  thought,  to  poetry,  to  iraugination,. 
and  their  creations  shall  delight  the  taste  of  the  intellectual, 
and  reach  the  hearts  of  the  refined.  Your  own  acting  will 
reflect  the  double  charm  of  beautiful  action  in  glowing  lan- 
guage, and  the  world  will  be  your  admirers,  said  Mr.  Sheridan, 
Mr.  Sheridan,  you  astonish  me  !  Do  you  know  to  whom 
you  are  talking  ?  My  name  is  Mitford,  and  a  girl  not  yet 
claiming  seventeen  summers  !  I  have  seen  nothing  !  I  have 
not  visited  one  of  the  thousand  places  that  must  always  kindle 
the  imagination  and  elevate  the  thoughts  I  The  bright  scenes- 
of  this  world,  all  full  of  nature's  grandest  images,  are  by  me 
unexplored !  I  have  had  but  slight  aid  from  literature — the  crea- 
tions of  lofty  genius  have  been  sealed  books  to  me.  I  have 
not  kneeled  before  that  great  cataract,  the  sublimity  of  which 
will  elevate  the  soul !  The  vast  chain  of  inland  seas  of  that 
great  country,  that  in  nature's  grandest  works  knows  no  par- 
allel !  The  great  mountains,  the  vast  rivers  of  that  great  con- 
tinent of  America — no  others  equal  them  !  The  great  prai- 
ries, that  in  no  other  country  can  be  found  1  The  vast  cities, 
all  full  of  virtue  and  boundless  industry — the  cultivated  fields 
the  happ3',  virtuous  rural  life — scenes  that  I  alm^  st  worship  in 
imagination — I  have  not  seen  !  I  can  boast  of  nothing  but  a 
proud  heart,  that  beats  here  with  highest  aspirations  !  You 
are  not  serious  !  You  do  not  think  that  I  have  the  fire  of 
genius !  I  cannot  with  the  wand  of  inspiration  call  up  tho.-e 
great  creations  that  have  charmed  the  minds  of  men  in  all 
age;^.  Tiie  men  who  wrote  them  were  inspired — they  were 
sunt  from  heaven,  and  to  them  the  whole  world  bows — na- 
tions have  hung  with  ecstasy  on  their  olowinc:  thouo;hts  !  The 
dead  were  raL^ed,  and  clothed  with  new  life  by  their  genius  1 
Skeletons  walked  forth  clothed  in  grace  and  beauty.  Oracles 
of  truth  were  uttered  in  language  that  reached  the  heart,  and 
the  whole  world  was  the  temple   of  their  worshipers.     Their 


DESPOTISM.  81 

genius,  by  the  aid  of  history,  has  filled  every  niche  in  Fame's 
great  temple.  What  do  you  mean  by  saying  that  I  can  do 
any  thing  ?  You  are  guilty  of  profanation  !  Shakespeare 
has  lived  !  ^lilton  has  lived  !  A  whole  galaxy  have  lived 
and  died,  and  the  world  has  been  enriched  by  all  that  they 
have  done.  Do  you  dare  to  say  that  mortals  are  to  achieve 
M'hat  they  have  done?  I  shall  defend  them  against  such  foul 
aspersions !  You  must  recall  those  hasty  words !  Those 
men  will  never  live  again  on  earth,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

Miss  Mitford,  cool  your  ardor — be  not  too  warm.  I  ad- 
mire your  enthusiasm,  and  your  reverence  for  great  genius.  I 
love  the  mind  that  finds  a  response  to  all  that  has  been  said  or 
written  ;  but  I  love  still  more  that  deep,  that  gloricnis  power 
of  genius,  the  power  to  form  good  and  great  men  from  your 
own  soul's  creation.  You  can  invest  all  your  creations  with 
virtue — who  can  do  more?  None  but  our  Creator!  He 
created  you,  as  well  as  Shakespeare  and  Milton.  He  created 
all,  but  not  with  equal  power  !  I  have  not  the  power  to  write 
Kienzi,  nor  to  play  the  part    tljat  brought  tears  to  every  eye. 

If  you  can  write  more  such  plays,  I  will  blot  out  Shakes- 
peare's name,  and  insert  your  own.  I  would  rather  be  the 
author  of  Julian  or  Rienzi,  than  the  proudest  conqueror  that 
ever  lived  1  Talk  not  to  me  of  the  great  names  of  past  ages ; 
speak  to  the  world  in  language  of  your  own,  and  you  shall 
have  the  ear  of  all  nations — we  will  all  be  scholars,  and  you 
shall  teach.  We  all  admire  genius,  but  I  admire  good  crea- 
tions of  the  higher  poets.  The  world  of  intellect  is  above  past 
a^es,  and  seeks  a  creation  of  its  own.  Give  us  life,  and  truth, 
as  philosophy  sees  all  created  things.  Give  us  virtuous  prin- 
ciples, and  noble  sentiments,  enshrined  in  living  hearts;  it  is 
with  these  that  the  present  world  of  intellect  will  sympathize. 
The  example  of  one  living  man  is  worth  a  world  of  fiction  ;  but 
who  reads  biography  ?  Your  fiction  will  charm  the  world  ; 
you   will    enshrine  virtue   and  truth  for  the  worship  of  their 


82  DESPOTISM. 

votaries.  Good  sentiments  are  rare — good  poems,  good  nov- 
els, and  good  plays,  are  sometimes  very  pernicious,  said  ]Slr. 
Slieridan. 

I  must  be  an  actress  !  The  world  will  not  buy  my  books 
or  plays,  for  I  can  put  in  none  but  virtuous  characters.  I  do 
not  lilie  theatres,  but  I  do  believe  that  good  influences  will 
make  them  better,  and  we  shall  yet  have  the  good  to  see  us 
perform  the  good,  and  great,  creations  of  the  poets.  I  must 
record  my  name  in  the  temple  of  my  country's  literature.  Oh 
that  I  could  add  one  to  virtue's  worshipers,  and  charui  thera 
with  the  beauty  that  pure  life,  pure  creations,  and  exalted  ge- 
nius can  create  for  the  admiration  of  the  world  !  I  will  show 
the  world  that  I  can  elevate  the  condition  of  my  own  sex,  now 
too  oft  neglected.  If  I  go  upon  the  stage,  I  will  convince  all 
that  honor  and  shame  belong  to  no  place,  but  come  from  good 
and  bad  institutions.  The  drama  will  ever  charm  the  taste, 
and  may  be  made  to  elevate  the  social  world.  I  will  go  to 
the  kind  Mrs.  Rogers^  and  ask  her  if  she  thinks  I  can  make  an 
actress. 

Mrs.  Rogers,  you  know  that  I  love  you — you  are  so  kind  to 
Vic,  and  John  and  Charles.  You  know  that  I  am  very  rich, 
80  folks  say — but  I  want  to  be  an  actress.  I  want  to  make 
father  rich,  if  he  gets  poor — I  want  to  ride  in  Regent  street 
in  my  own  coach.  I  want  two  splendid  horses,  and  two  out- 
riders— all  the  rich  folks  have  them.  Do  you  think  I  can  per- 
form on  the  stage  ?  I  have  conversed  with  Mr.  Sheridan,  but 
I  do  believe  he  is  a  little  crazy  !  AVhat  do  you  think  he  says? 
asked  Miss  Mitford. 

He  says  you  are  too  rich  to  get  notions  in  your  head ;  you 
will  have  lovers  among  the  actors,  said  Mrs.  Rogers, 

No,  he  does  not  say  any  such  thing — you  know  my  heart  is 
half  gone  already  He  says  I  am  a  great  woman,  and  can 
turn  Shakespeare  out  of  doors,  and  put  my  sign  right  up!  I 
dare  say  you  will  laugh — I  know  I  did.     Our  age  is  more  re- 


DESPOTISM.  83 

fined  than  ShaL-espeare's ;  in  Regent  street,  we  tLink  he  \va? 
very  vulgar,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

I  admire  your  refinement.  But  you  ask  me  if  I  think  you 
can  perform  on  the  stage.  I  have  seen  you  do  that,  and  I 
think  you  are  a  genius.  I  have  no  doubt  that  Vic,  and  John. 
and  Charles,  will  gain  laurels  on  the  stage — but  I  hope  never 
to  see  y<3u  on  any  stage  but  the  matrimonial,  with  a  large  au- 
dience. You  know  that  I  love  you  like  a  daughter.  If  you 
are  ever  poor,  I  will  make  you  rich  1  When  you  go  upon 
the  stage,  I  shall  go  too,  and  look  after  you  and  watch  you 
■close.  The  ladies  all  love  you,  and  that  you  knovv'  is  strange 
— for  they  always  talk  about  each  other.  All  the  men  love 
you,  and  when  you  go  upon  the  stage — Oh  mercy  ! — you  will 
have  fifty  lovers  !  You  cannot  go  upon  the  stage — I  will  not 
allow  it — till  you  are  married.  There  stands  the  Duke  !  I 
know  he  is  dying  to  marry  you.  You  are  right  wicked  not 
to  say  yes.  I  like  old  Dukes  but  I  like  young  ones  better, 
said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Here  comes  the  Duke,  said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

Mr.  Rogers,  Mrs.  Barbauld,  Mr.  Sheridan,  were  j^ou  not 
all  delighted  ?  Did  they  not  all  perform  admirably  ?  How 
did  you  like  Miss  Mitford  ?  How  did  you  like  tliat  Vic,  or 
Miss  Kerable,  or  whatever  her  name  is  ?  Is  she  not  a  perfect 
beauty,  and  does  she  not  read  elegantly  ?  And  how  did  you 
Jike  your  humble  servant  ?  asked  the  Duke. 

Do  you  think  we  can  answer  all  these  quet-tions  at  once  ? — 
Vic  was  undoubtedly  the  star  of  the  evening,  and  the  whole 
performance  was  excellent.  Miss  Mitford  performed  her  part 
in  a  manner  not  U)  be  surpassed  ;  I  should  have  supposed 
they  were  all  familiar  with  the  stage.  I  know  that  they  iiave 
taken  parts  before;  you  v;ould  not  say  that  you  had  never 
performed  in  a  play,  would  you,  my  Lord  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Rogers. 

I  have  occasionally  assisted  my  friends,  said  the  Duke. 


84  D  S  8  P  O  T  I  S  M  . 

Here  approaches  the  General,  said  Mr.  Rogers. 

Ladies,  I  congratulate  you  !  Where  is  that  girl  they  call 
Yic?  asked  the  General. 

She  is  in  ber  room,  said  Miss  Mitford. 

^Yell,  send  for  her — I  must  see  her  ! 

IMr.  Ilarley,  were  you  ever  more  delighted  ?  asked  the 
Duke. 

I  never  saw  an  amateur  play  better  performed — I  should 
admire  to  see  it  again,  said  Mr.  Harley. 

Miss  Kemble  entered  the  room,  and  her  friends  gathered 
around  her. 

Mr.  Rogers  advanced  and  extended  his  hand. 

INIiss  Kemble,  I  congratulate  you,  in  the  name  of  these  our 
assea:ibled  friends.  I  congratulate  you  most  sincerely  ;  I  do- 
thank  you  for  the  enjoyment  that  I  derived  from  your  per- 
formance. I  sincerely  hop«  you  will  favor  us  with  another 
representation  of  that  admirable  play.  If  our  poets  could 
always  have  such  actors  to  give  life  and  truth  to  their  beauti- 
ful concepuons,  I  am  sure  we  should  have  more  dramatic  poe- 
trv,  and  poets  of  a  higher  order,  said  JMr.  Rogers. 

Our  next  performance  will  be  Miss  Mitford's  Julian,  and  I 
shall  be  assisted  by  my  brothers  John  and  Charles,  and  by 
Euf-enia.  Lord  Byron  is  to  write  a  prologue  for  me  to  recite, 
said  Miss  Kemble. 

Did  I  hear  you  say  that  Eugenia  was  to  take  a  part  in  th© 
nest  performance  ?  asked  General  McDonald. 

I  did,  said  Miss  Kemble. 

Does  she  intend  to  make  a  conquet^t  of  any  of  the  young 
men  ?  asked  the  General. 

If  report  speaks  the  truth,  one  of  Cupid's  darts  has  already 
struck  the  heart  of  a  vaiiant  hero,  said  ^liss  Kemble. 

The  General  looked  slightly  embarrassed,  and  walked 
away. 

Miss  Kemble,  I  feel  deeply  interested  in  every    thing   con- 


DESPOTinsi.  85 

nected  with  poetry  and  the  drama.  I  have  in  my  library  a 
copy  of  every  play  ever  written  in  England,  and  I  have  a 
sketch  of  the  life  of  every  actor  and  actress  of  any  talent  that 
ever  lived.  I  do  hope  to  live  long  enough  to  add  some  more 
brilliant  names  to  the  galaxy  of  our  country's  genius.  Who 
have  been  your  instructors  ?  Where  did  you  learn  to  give 
such  vivid  pictures  of  the  passions  ?  I  was  breathless  when 
you  were  in  some  of  your  scenes.  I  forgot  myselt^,  and  imag- 
ined you  were  raving  with  unrestrained  passion,  said  Mr. 
Kogers. 

To  Miss  Mitford  I  owe  all  that  I  am,  and  all  that  I  may  be 
— she  schooled  me,  clothed  me,  taught  me  !  She  has  done 
every  thing  for  me,  said  Miss  Kemble. 

Miss  Kemble,  every  thing  connected  with  the  stage  deeply 
interests  me.  I  must  be  allowed  to  step  forward,  even  at  the 
risk  of  being  regarded  as  officious.  I  think  I  am  more  inter- 
ested in  your  success  than  any  person,  with  the  exception  of 
Miss  Mitford.  Your  genius  would,  I  am  confident,  enable 
you  to  write  as  well  as  to  perform.  You  can  make  a  brilliant 
name  for  yourself  without  appearing  on  the  stage.  The  drama 
has  its  votaries  ofi'  the  stage  as  well  as  on  it.  Byron  wnjte 
his  plays  for  the  reading  public,  and  ada[)ted  none  to  the 
stage.  The  drama  was  the  earliest  resort  of  the  Grecian  and 
Roman  people;  it  was  the  first  step  in  the  progress  of  civiliza- 
tion, and  has  been  its  constant  handmaid.  A  lady  who  by 
her  genius  masters  the  art,  and  t  tkes  a  high  stand  in  her  pro- 
fession, may  be  regarded  as  a  public  benefactor.  AVithout 
her  aid,  the  dramatic  poet  would  perform  but  half  his  mission. 
She  who  can  both  write,  and  represent  her  own  conceptions, 
will  charm  her  friends,  and  the  intellectual  woild.  Why  do 
you  contemplate  the  stage  for  a  profession?  There  are  other 
professions,  and  Miss  Mitford  is  rich,  and  regards  you  as  her 
sister,  said  Mr.  Rogers. 


86  DESPOTISM. 

Whatever  Miss  Mitford  may  be,  I  shall  support  myself;  I 
am  the  child  of  poor  parents,  I  shall  go  upon  the  stage,  if  I  can 
get  an  engagement.  I  cannot  be  insensible  to  the  obligations 
under  which  Miss  Mitford  has  placed  me,  and  no  desire  is  so 
strong  as  to  possess  the  means  of  paying  back  some  part  of  the 
large  debt.  My  ability  to  do  so,  will  depend  on  the  degree  of 
eminence  that  I  may  acquire,  and  the  means  that  my  profes- 
sion may  claim,  and  these  are  involved  in  the  mysteries  of  the 
future.  Sometimes  my  mother  appears  to  visit  me,  and  encour- 
ages me  to  a  greater  effort,  and  gives  me  assurance  of  success. 
But  how  can  I  succeed  where  so  many  have  despaired,  and 
fallen  by  the  way  in  the  long  journey  to  fame  ?  Who  has 
succeeded  ?  There  have  been  aspirants  without  number,  but 
who  has  left  a  name  of  any  eminence  ?  I  have  time  before 
me,  I  am  not  fifteen !  I  have  two  brothers,  who  have  been 
educated  by  a  dear  friend  of  mine,  and  I  am  deeply  concerned 
for  their  success  ;  I  cannot  bear  the  thought  of  their  failure  ! 
Do  you  think,  Mr.  Rogers,  that  we  shall  succeed  ?  Our  patents, 
you  know,  were  talented  ;  are  we  to  be  as  eminent  as  they 
were  ?  Oh,  such  uncertainty  !  IIow  do  I  know  that  we  shall 
not  fail  entirely  ?  1  will  not  !  I  will  succeed  !  I  .-^hall  be 
assisted!  Oh,  these  doubts!  I  will  not  doubt!  I  know 
I  shall  succeed  !  Such  conflicting  thoughts  have  sustained 
me.  But  sometimes  I  am  in  deep  distress  !  I  remember 
when  I  was  a  small  child,  my  father  clasped  me  in  his  arms, 
he  pressed  me  to  his  heart,  and  kissing  me,  he  said,  "  Vic,  I  am 
going  to  leave  you,  and  John,  and  Charles,  and  your  mother  !" 

Where,  father  ?  I  asked. 

Alas,  my  child,  I  am  sick,  and  poor,  and  my  spirits  are 
broken.  I  have  no  person  to  assist  or  encourage  me,  and  my 
health  is  gone.  I  once  had  friends,  but  I  have  none  now  !  I 
have  struggled  hard,  but  now  the  world  is  dark,  and  I  go 
willingly.      But  I  cannot  leave  you,  and  John,   and    Chailes  [ 


DESPOTISM.  87 

Your  mother  will  soon  follow  me,  and  then  you  will  he  alone  ! 
My  heart  is  crushed  with  deepest  agony  !  I  cannot  tell  you 
how  much  I  suffer !  Will  no  friendly  hand  assist  me  in  my 
last  expiring  moments  ? 

Dear  father,  have  courage — I  will  assist  you.  I  will  go 
into  the  streets — I  will  go  to  the  doors  of  rich  men  and  chari- 
table ladies,  and  beg  for  you  and  mother. 

My  mother  was  sick.  I  was  but  four  years  of  age.  I 
walked  the  streets  all  day.  I  had  nothing  to  eat.  I  came 
home  at  night.     My  father  just  raised  his  head  and  kissed  me. 

Vic,  dear  Vic,  put  the  money  in  my  hand  ! 

Alas,  I  had  none  !  The  next  morning  it  snowed,  and  I 
left  father  and  mother  and  walked  again  all  day.  I  had  not 
one  penny  to  carry  to  my  suffering  parents  !  The  next  night 
the  storm  increased.  The  wind  howled — the  snow  blew  furi- 
ously; we  had  no  fire,  our  attic  was  all  open,  and  there  was 
snow  on  mother's  face  !  Si:ie  was  in  deepest  suffering,  and 
father  was  sinking. 

Father,  are  you  hungry,  I  asked  ?     I  am,  Vic. 

Father,  are  you  cold  ?     Very,  Vic. 

Father,  are  you  faint  ? — He  could  not  speak  !     He  died  ! 

0,  Heaven  !  I  shall  soon  follow  him  !  Kind  Heaven,  fur- 
give  thy  erring  daughter  !  0,  sustain  me  in  these  my  last  mo- 
ments !  Calm  this  throbbing  heart !  Watch  over  this  tender 
child,  and  guide  the  footsteps  of  my  boys  !  Must  I  leave 
them?  0  that  they  could  go  with  me!  Hut  tliy  will  be 
done  !     She  could  say  no  more  ! 

Mother,  dear  mother,  what  crm  I  do  for  you  ? 

She  could  not  answer  me  I  She  was  dead  —  and  we  were 
left  alone  !  Miss  Mitford  has  been  to  me  a  kind  parent.  O, 
if  I  can  only  repay  her,  how  happy  I  shall  be  !  Do  you  think, 
Mr.  Rogers,  that  I  can  get  an  engagement  at  the  theatre  ? 
What  do  you  think  the  manager  will  pny  me  ?  I  will  go  to 
the  theatre  and  see  Mr.  Coleman,  said  Miss  Kemble. 


83  DESPOTISM. 

You.  must  not  go  !  A  girl  of  your  face  and  form  and  edu- 
cation shall  not  go  to  any  theatre  to  ask  for  an  engagement ! 
Ttie  manager  shall  come  here  and  see  your  next  performance. 
I  will  call  on  hmi  myself  Tliere  are  other  managers.  I  will 
see  them  all.  Have  you  studied  Miss  Mitford's  Julian  ?  You 
must  recollect  that  it  is  a  new  play,  and  the  critics  have  no 
mercy  on  young  actors  or  young  author.s,  said  Mr.  Rogers. 

Let  the  critics  come  to-night !  I  am  ready,  and  will  recite 
my  part.  I  can  comniit  any  part  to  memory  in  one  day.  I 
have  studied  Lord  Byron's  prologue,  and  nearly  committed  it 
to  memory,  said  Miss  Kemble,  as  Mr.  Rogers  turned  from  her. 

I  wish,  Mr.  Coutts,  that  you  would  oblige  me  so  much  as  to 
say  to  your  son  that  we  request  the  pleasure  of  intrcxJueing 
liim  to  our  circle  and  of  regarding  him  as  one  of  our  number. 
Mr.  Rogers  says  that  young  as  he  is,  he  is  making  money 
faster  than  any  banker  in  London.  Do  you  know  a  Mr.  Sid- 
dons  or  a  Mr.  Bright  ?  asked  Mrs.  Rogers. 

I  know  them  both,  and  they  are  well  known  to  a  large  cir- 
cle, said  !Mr.  Coutts. 

Mr.  Coutta,  I  have  mentioned  to  my  friends  that  Vic  and 
her  brothers  would  perform  their  play  at  your  house  on  Wed- 
nesday evening,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

I  shall  hope  to  have  my  house  crowded,  said  Mr.  Coutts,  as 
he  turned  from  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Mrs.  Rogers,  I  am  told  that  Mr.  Coutts  the  elder  has  in- 
vited Miss  Kemble  to  perform  Julian  at  his  house.  At  tliis 
performance  Vic  will  be  assisted  by  her  brothers,  and  Mana- 
ger Coleman  is  to  be  invited.  If  the  three  children  should  be 
found  to  possess  sufficient  talent,  Mr.  Coleman  will  give  them 
an  engagement  at  his  theatre.  I  have  no  doubt  Mr.  Coutts's 
house  will  be  crowded  with  persons  who  knew  their  parents, 
said  Lord  Byron. 

Are  the  boys  as  talented  as  Vic  ?  asked  Mrs.  Roofers. 


DESPOTISM.  89 

I  have  seen  but  little  of  the  boys,  but  Mr.  Cook's  friends 
have  formed  high  expectations  of  their  talents,  and  predict  fc^r 
them  a  career  of  unequaled  success.  Some  have  placed  Charles 
fur  above  Vic,  and  have  claimed  for  John  a  high  order  of 
talent.  The  life  of  an  actress  is  always  the  life  of  a  slave. 
She  is  the  constant  victim  of  destructive  adulation,  or  the  most 
cruel  neglect,  and  there  is  no  medium  in  their  condition.  The 
father  of  these  boys  was  one  of  our  most  brilliant  tragedians, 
and  the  mother  was  quite  as  eminent.  They  earned  money 
easily  and  spent  it  thoughtlessly.  The  wife  was  sick,  and  the 
husband  devoted  his  whole  time  to  her,  till  he  was  attacked 
with  the  same  disorder.  They  could  earn  nothing,  and  if 
they  did  not  starve  to  death,  or  freeze  to  death,  I  am  at  a  loss 
to  tell  what  killed  them,  said  Mrs.  Barbauld,as  she  withdrew. 

Have  you  heard  the  news  from  France  1  asked  Dr.  Herschel. 

I  have  not,  said  Dr.  Brewster. 

The  revolutionary  army  has  taken  five  more  cities,  and  giv^en 
them  up  to  pillage  !  The  brutal  soldiery  murdered  men,  wo- 
men and  children  without  mercy  !  More  than  five  thousand 
persons  were  murdered  in  cold  blood  in  one  city,  by  their  ow^n 
countrymen  !  The  guillotine  is  now  taking  off  the  heads  of 
two  hundred  persons  in  one  city  every  day  !  One  of  the  vic- 
tims was  an  old  merchant  by  the  name  of  Hudon,  eighty  four 
years  of  age,  deaf  and  almost  blind  !  His  only  crime  was  the 
possession  of  a  fortune  of  four  millions  of  dollars.  He  offered 
all  his  wealth  but  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  his  life, 
but  Eobespierre  and  Napoleon  preferred  sending  him  to  the 
guillotine,  and  taking  the  whole  !  In  La  A-^endee  the  Eobes- 
pierre and  Napoleon  party  are  now  carrying  on  their  war  of 
extermination.*     At  their  command  was  formed  a  corps  called 


*  The  extent  to  which  blood  was  shed  in  France  during  this  melancholy  period  will 
liardly  be  credited  by  future  ages.     The  Republican  Prudomme,  whose  prepossessions 


90 


DESPOTlBM 


the  Legion  of  Murat,  composed  of  the  most  bloodthirsty  of  the 
Revolutionists,  the  members  of  which  are  entitled  of  their  own 
authority  to  incarcerate  any  person  whom  they  choose.  The 
number   of  their   prisoners  was  soon  four  thousand,  and  the 


led  him  to'anything  rather  than  an  exaggeration  of  the  horrors  of  the  popular  parly, 
has  given  the  following  appalling  account  of  the  victims  of  the  Revolution: 

Nobles  1,27-8 

Noble  women      ---......        750 

Wives  of  laborers  and  artisans     .....        1,467 

Religieuses  --.......       350 

Priests 1,135 

Common  persons,  not  noble       ......  13,623 

Guillotined  by  sentence  of  the  Revolutionary  Tribunals     18,603     18,603 

Women  dieil  of  premature  childbirth 3,400 

In  childbirth  from  grief  ---......        348 

Women  killed  in  La  Vendee       .......        15,000 

Children  killed  in  La.Vendee  ....-.-   22,000 

lien  slain  in  I,.a  Vendee 900.000 

Victims  under  Carrier  at  Xantes    -....--   32,00C 
Of  whom  were  Children  shot     ......        600 

"  Children  drowned 1.500 

"  Women  shot 264 

•'  Women  drowned    .....  500 

"  Prie-sts  shot 300 

"  Prie.^ts  drowned 460 

"  Nobles  drowned        .....     1,400 

"  Artisans  drowned  .....        5, COO 

Victims  at  Lyons        .........        31,000 


Total 


1,022,351 

In  this  enumeration  are  not  comprehended  the  massacres  at  Versailles,  at  the  Abbey, 
the  Carmes.  or  other  prisons  on  the  2d  of  September,  the  victims  of  the  Glaciere  of 
Avignon,  those  shot  at  Toulon  and  Marseilles,  or  the  persons  slain  in  the  little  town  of 
Btdoiu,  of  which  the  whole  populatic^n  perished. 

It  i^i  in  an  especial  manner  remarkable,  in  this  di.smal  catalogue,  how  large  a  proportion 
of  the  victims  of  the  Revolution  were  persons  in  the  middling  and  lower  ranks  of  life. 
The  priests  and  uobli-s  guillotined  are  only  2,413,  while  the  persons  of  plebeian  origin 
exceed  13.000!  The  nobles  and  priests  put  to  death  at  Nantes  were  only  2.1*0,  while  the 
infants  drowned  and  shot  are  2,000,  the  women  764,  and  the  artisans  5,300!  So  rapidly 
in  revolutionary  convulsions,  does  the  career  of  cruelty  reach  the  lower  orders,  and  so 
wide-spread  is  the  carnage  dealt  out  to  them,  compared  with  that  which  they  have 
sought  to  inflict  on  their  superiors. — Ausox's  Eueope,  voL  1,  p.  310. 


DESPOTISM.  91 

club  divided  among  themselves  all  the  property  of  the  prison- 
ers. The  captives  were  either  slain  with  poignards  in  the 
prisons,  or  carried  out  in  vessels  and  drowned  in  the  Loire  ! 
On  one  occasion  one  hundred  priests  were  taken  out  together, 
stripped  of  their  clothing,  and  precipitated  into  the  waves  ! 
We  hear  to-day  that  the  revolutionary  army  have  taken  Ly- 
ons !  The  whole  city  is  now  being  leveled  with  the  ground  ! 
Attended  by  his  satellites,  Couthon  traversed  the  finest  streets 
of  the  city,  and  with  a  silver  hammer  he  struck  the  door  of  the 
devoted  houses,  once  the  residences  of  the  rich  Eoyalists.  In- 
stantly the  agents  of  destruction,  of  whom  there  were  twenty 
thousand  in  the  pay  of  the  Directory,  commenced  their  demoli- 
tion !  The  palaces  thus  destroyed  were  among  the  finest  in 
France,  and  were  erected  in  the  richest  style  of  Louis  XIII. 
The  Directory  have  decreed  that  every  emblem  of  religion 
shall  be  destroyed,  and  over  the  gate  of  every  cemetery  is 
erected  the  motto,  "  Death  is  an  eternal  sleep  !''*  At  Lyons, 
women  big  with  child,  infants  and  children  were  thrown  toge- 
ther into  the  stream,  on  the  sides  of  which  men  armed  with 
sabres  were  placed,  to  cut  off"  their  hands,  if  the  waves  should 
throw  them  aiive  on  the  shore  If  Twenty-four  Eoyalists  at 
one  time  were  guillotined,  without  any  form  of  trial !  In  one 
day  140  women  were  taken  from  the  prisons  and  drowned  to- 
gether !  So  great  was  the  multitude  of  captives  who  were 
brought  in,  that  the  executioners  declared  themselves  unable 
to  dispose  of  them  all  with  the  guillotine  !  One  hundred  and 
fifty  victims,  mostly  women  and  children,  were  crow'ded  toge- 
ther in  a  boat  with  a  concealed  trap-door  in  the  bottom.  At 
a  signal,  the  crew  leaped  into  another  boat,  the  bolts  were 
withdrawn,  and  the  shrieking  victims  were  precipitated  into 
the  waves,  amid  the  laughter  of  the    Robespierre  and  Napo- 


*  Read  Alison,  vol.  1,  page  225. 

f  For  this  fact  read  the  History  of  the  Revolution. 


92  DESPOTISM. 

leon  clubs,  on  the  banks  of  the  river.  It  has  been  ascertained 
by  authentic  documents,  that  600  children  have  perished  by 
that  mode  of  destruction  in  Lyons  !  Such  has  been  tlie  quan- 
tity of  corpses  accumulated  in  the  Loire,  that  the  water  was  in- 
fected so  as  to  render  a  pubhc  ordinance  necessary,  forbidding 
the  use  of  it  to  the  inhabitants.  Birds  of  prey  Hocked  to  the 
shores,  and  fed  on  human  flesh  !  On  one  occasion  the  inspec- 
tor entered  the  prison  to  seek  for  a  child,  and  found  none ; 
the  evening  before  he  had  left  300,  all  of  whom  had  been 
drowned  during  the  previous  night  ! 

In  Paris,  La  Fayette  found  he  could  not  protect  the  King 
and  Eoyal  family,  and  fearing  for  his  own  safety,  he  fled  to 
Austria.  The  moment  he  crossed  the  frontier,  he  was  seized 
by  an  armed  force,  and  conveyed  to  a  dungeon  at  Oltnotz. — • 
The  American  minister  has  demanded  his  release,  in  consider- 
ation of  his  patriotic  services  in  the  revolution,  but  without 
success,  said  Dr.  Herschell. 

Are  these  revolutionary  wretches  all  Catholics  ?  asked  Dr. 
Brewster. 

All  of  them  are  Catholics.  The  French  nation  have  abol- 
ished the  Sabbath,  and  made  every  tenth  day  a  day  of  rejoic- 
ing, and  the  theatres  and  all  places  of  amusement,  and  all  gam- 
bling places  are  open.  The  whole  nation  assembled  in  various 
squares,  and  Deified  a  frail  woman  as  the  Goddess  of  Reason, 
and  she  is  to  be  worshipped  as  the  Deity  !* 

The  mail  has  just  arrived  from  Dover  in  only  four  days, 
and  brought  the  painful  news  that  Napoleon  has  taken  Man- 
tua, one  of  the  finest  cities  in  Italy,  and  four  smaller  cities,  and 
has  destroyed  one-fourth  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  them  all 
by  the  sword,  and  one-half  were  butchered  after  the  cities  had 
capitulated  !  He  put  ISEantua  under  a  contribution  of  eight 
millions,   and   munitions  of  war  to  the  same  amount.     He  de- 

*  Read  Alison,  toL  1,  p.  24. 


DESPOTISM.  93 

manded  four  thousand  horses  and  six  thousand  cattle,  and  fifty 
of  their  best  pictures,  and  the  same  number  of  statues  !  Did 
you  ever  hear  of  such  robbery  !  The  northern  barbarians, 
when  they  conquered  Kome,  kneeled  before  the  great  works 
of  art,  and  returned  again  and  again  to  offer  the  silent  tribute 
of  a  tear  to  the  most  exalted  genius  !  But  they  never  injured 
nor  removed  those  works  that  have  softened  and  subdued  ma- 
ny a  savage  heart,  and  led  upward  civilization,  refinement  and 
religion.  But  this  Napoleon  has  stolen  them  all,  and  many  of 
the  most  valuable  were  stolen  from  churches,  which  all  but 
Napoleon  regard  as  sacrilege.  Napoleon  met  every  where  a 
patriotic  resistance ;  the  wives  and  daughters  loaded  and 
pointed  the  guns  that  defended  their  firesides.  But  they  were 
vanquished  by  his  butchers,  to  whom  Napoleon  surrendered 
every  female,  without  regard  to  her  social  position  !  Nearly 
all  the  females  were  abused,  and  more  than  one  fourth  were 
murdered,  after  submitting  to  the  invasion  of  their  honor,  or 
in  defending  it  from  their  brutal  attacks.  I  did  suppose  that 
civilization  and  humanity  had  softened  the  brutality  of  the 
French  people,  but  these  ignorant  and  superstitious  Catholics 
are  positively  worse  than  the  northern  barbarians.  I  shall 
have  no  faith  in  a  superintending  Providence,  if  Napoleon  is 
not  punished  here,  and  hereafter,  said  Dr.  Brewster. 

He  has  commenced  a  career  that  will  soon  terminate  in  his 
death,  or  the  subjugation  of  all  Europe.  Our  government  will 
have  every  Catholic  country  in  Europe  to  fight  against  us, 
and  we  shall  undoubtedly  be  ruined  !  Do  you  believe  any 
man  will  be  sent  by  a  kind  Providence  with  talents  suflBcient 
to  check  the  career  of  such  a  Catholic  wretch  ?  asked  Dr. 
Herschell. 

I  cannot  say.  I  am  just  informed  by  a  member  of  Parlia- 
ment, that  a  new  loan  of  twenty-five  millions  of  pounds  is  de- 
manded in  ten  daj's,  and  certain  bankruptcy  and  ruin  to  the 
nation  will  follow,  if  it  is  not  obtained  !     I  fear  that   all   our 


94  DESPOTISM. 

merchants  and  bankers  are  ruined  !  This  is  the  darkest  mo- 
ment that  we  have  seen.  I  fear  the  Chancellor  will  be  unable 
to  sell  the  new  bonds  at  any  price,  and  the  country  will  be 
ruined!  Who  can  contemplate  such  a  picture?  Before  Na- 
poleon appeared,  this  was  the  richest,  the  most  prosperous, 
the  most  happy  of  countries  !  Now  our  wealth  is  gone,  and 
our  most  valuable  lives  destroyed  by  these  Catholic  butchers  ! 
Our  vessels  are  taken  on  every  sea,  and  every  port  on  the  con- 
tinent will  be  closed  to  our  commerce.  Our  Government  is 
now  equipping  a  fleet  of  three  hundred  sail  in  various  ports, 
and  press-gangs  are  taking  men  from  their  beds  to  man  them, 
said  Dr.  Brewster. 

Were  all  these  Catholic  Bonapartes  military  officers  ?  asked 
Dr.  Herschell. 

Not  one  of  them  was  educated  for  any  business  or  profes- 
sion— they  were,  when  young,  idle  and  inactive.  Napoleon 
joined  the  Robespierres,  and  was  present  at  the  attack  on  the 
King  and  the  Swiss  Guards.  The  Bonapartes  were  promi- 
nent actors  in  the  scenes  that  deluged  France  in  blood.  In 
one  prison  in  Paris  were  confined  160  priests!  The  doors  of 
the  prison  were  opened,  and  the  priests  were  brought  out  and 
separately  butchered,  and  two  of  the  Bonapartes  were  actors 
in  this  unequaled  scene  of  horror.  These  Frenchmen  have 
murdered  their  King  and  Queen  and  all  the  royal  tamily,  in- 
cluding the  sister  of  the  King  !*  None  but  Catholics  could, 
by  any  agency,  religious  or  fiendish,  be  converted  into  such 
monsters  of  inhumanity.  Are  these  the  same  men  who  mur- 
dered one  million  of  Huguenots  ?  asked  Dr.  Brewster. 


*  Among  the  murdereJ,  in  Paris,  was  the  sou  of  the  King,  a  boy  called  the  nauphin. 
Mr.  Williams,  a  Missionary  of  this  country,  has  beeu  called  the  French  Dauphin,  and 
two  or  three  books  have  been  written  to  prove  this  ridiculous  invention.  The  Daupbin 
was  starved  to  death,  by  his  keeper,  Simon,  and  these  writers  assert  that  he  was  not 
murdered,  but  was  removed  from  Simon,  and  sent  to  this  country. 

Read  .Uison  ;  toI.  1,  p.  222. 


DESPOTISM,  95 

Certainly  they  are.  The  Huguenots  were  promised  pro- 
tection by  the  King  and  by  the  cardinals  and  bishops.  With- 
out the  least  notice,  the  edict  of  Nantes  was  revoked,  and  the 
Protestants  learned  that  they  were  the  victims  of  deliberately 
contrived  murder  ! 

At  midnight  the  great  bell  of  St.  Germain,  at  Paris,  sound- 
ed its  horrid  knell,  and  the  massacre  of  the  Protestants  com- 
menced. Men,  women  and  children  fell  victims  to  Catholic 
butchers,  inflamed  by  religious  frenzy,  and  nearly  one-third  of 
the  inhabitants  of  France  were  murdered  !  These  Catholic 
butcheries  must  ever  be  occurring  while  they  are  permitted  to 
fill  the  minds  of  the  young  with  their  dogmas,  said  Dr.  Iler- 
schell. 

The  priests  want  power  and  money,  and  they  do  not  care 
how  many  lives  are  sacrificed,  said  Dr.  Brewster. 

Cannot  the  world,  by  the  aid  of  science  and  learning,  be 
elevated  above  the  influence  of  the  priests,  who  lead  the  Catho- 
lics to  such  horrid  persecutions  ?  Are  they  to  be  in  ignorance 
forever,  following  blindly  such  a  pernicious  class  of  men  ? 
These  ignoraxit  beings  who  follow  priests  to  such  murders 
must  ever  be  tit  tools  for  despots.  Napoleon  will  use  them 
np — he  will  want  a  few  millions  for  his  army,  not  one  of  whom 
will  ever  return  from  the  slaughter-house  to  his  family  or  fire- 
side. Like  beasts  they  are  trained  to  destroy  their  own  spe- 
cies wherever  patriots  are  found  defending  their  country.  Na- 
poleon uses  them  for  his  own  amusement,  as  the  Romans  used 
the  gladiators  who  fought  in  the  Coloseum  with  linns  and 
tigers.  We  have  a  report  from  Spain  to-day  that  fifty  Span- 
ish armed  ships  have  escaped  from  Cadiz,  and  are  now  on  the 
way  to  join  the  French  fleet  with  a  large  army,  destined  for 
the  invasion  of  England  !  England  is  the  only  Protestant 
country,  and  I  fear  that  we  shall  have  to  yield,  and  agnin  we:ir 
the  chains  that  have  cost  us  so  many  lives,  and  millions  of  dol- 
lars to  throw  off. 


9b  DESPOTISM. 

France  is  now  building  one  thousand  flat-boats,  for  landing 
one  hundred  thousand  Catholic  troops  from  their  transports, 
on  the  Irish  coast,  who  will  be  joined  by  the  Irish  Catholics, 
and  the  whole  of  England  will  be  destro3'ed !  The  French 
troops  concentrated  in  various  ports  nearest  to  Ireland  amount 
to  half  a  million.  The  English  government  have  called  out 
their  militia,  and  they  are  now  in  five  camps,  the  largest  of 
which  is  near  London.  The  most  painful  consternation  is  read 
in  every  countenance  !  All  amusements  are  suspended,  three- 
fourths  of  the  shops  are  closed,  a  large  number  of  the  richest 
bankers  and  merchants  have  failed,  and  some  imported  arti- 
cles have  risen  to  ten  times  their  usual  price.  One  hundred 
thousand  men,  women  and  children  are  walking  the  streets 
unemployed  and  in  a  state  of  starvation,  ready,  like  the  mobs 
of  Paris,  to  commit  any  acts  of  destruction  !  The  military 
have  not  been  able  to  suppress  the  riots  now  daily  increasing. 
To  add  to  all  other  alarming  events,  a  plot  was  discovered 
last  night  to  blow  up  the  palace  of  St.  James,  with  the  King 
and  Queen  and  half  the  nobility,  assembled  at  the  Queen's  re- 
ception party  !  It  was  one  of  the  most  astounding  plots  ever 
attempted,  and  it  came  very  near  being  carried  into  execution. 
Some  thousands  of  the  most  valuable  lives  in  the  kingdom 
would  have  been  destroyed,  and  the  Catholics  would  have 
taken  possession  of  the  Bank  of  England,  and  every  other 
bank  would  have  shared  the  same  fate,  with  all  the  Protes- 
tants who  opposed  the  infuriated  mob  !  By  some  mistake  the 
Catholics  admitted  a  Protestant  into  their  secret  meetings,  by 
whom  the  whole  was  exposed  to  the  government  last  night, 
and  this  night  all  were  to  have  been  destroyed,  said  Dr.  Her- 
schell. 

This  is  horrible  !  No  country  can  be  sustained  under  such 
accumulated  disasters !  No  person  now  dares  to  speak  to 
his  neighbor,  fearing  he  may  be  a  Catholic,  and  will  stab  him 


DESPOTISPi.  97 

to  the  heart !  It  is  perfectly  clear  that  Catholics  and  Pro- 
testants can  never  live  under  the  same  government.  England 
has  been  lighted  up  with  the  fires  of  persecution  from  Smith- 
field  to  the  surrounding  ocean  ;  and  will  soon  be  involved 
again  in  the  same  war  of  extermination,  said  Dr.  Brewster. 

I  hope  this  contest  will  be  decided  now.  I  am  ready,  and 
believe  the  whole  country  is  impatient  for  the  battle,  said  Dr. 
Herschell. 

Napoleon  is  hourly  expected  at  Calais,  and  will  inspect  the 
troops  before  they  embark  for  the  Irish  coast.  General  Kle- 
ber,  left  by  Napoleon  in  command  of  the  French  army  in 
Egypt,  has  been  assassinated  by  a  native  Egyptian  I  The 
criminal  was  suspended  by  a  chain  over  a  slow  fire,  for  three 
days,  and  literally  roasted,  in  torments  too  great  for  contem- 
platii)n  I  Kleber  and  Napoleon  had  murdered  thirt}-  thousand 
of  his  countrymen,  among  whom  was  every  member  of  his 
family  !  Ten  thousand  of  the  Egyptians  were  poisoned  by 
Napoleon,  to  save  the  cost  of  their  support !  They  were  pris- 
oners talcen  in  defending  their  own  country,  and  this  act  was 
but  one  of  the  numerous  atrocities  that  should  consign  the 
name  of  Napoleon  to  everlasting  disgrace,  said  Dr.  Brewster, 
as  he  withdrew. 

Miss  Kivers,  I  have  omitted  to  speak  to  you  till  tlie  present 
moment,  fearing  to  excite  suspicion.  You  said  we  were 
watched,  and  I  am  satisfied  that  you  are  right.  I  know  we 
have  been  watched  !  Every  secret  meeting  that  we  have  had, 
and  they  have  occurred  daily,  has  been  the  object  of  prying 
curiosity.  We  are  marked,  and  followed,  and  suspected !  I 
am  about  to  make  a  declaration,  Miss  Elvers,  that  may  sur- 
prise you  1  You  will,  I  hope,  excuse  my  early  allusion  to  a 
personal  matter  that  deeply  interests  my  feelings.  Our  ac- 
quaintance, short  as  it  has  been,  has  produced  an  impression 
on  my  mind  which  no  time,  or  distance,  or  misfortune  can 
5 


98  DESPOTISM. 

ever  efface.  There  is  a  sentiment — perhaps  I  should  not  sa,y 
it  here — there  is  a  sentiment  stronger  than  patriotii^m,  and 
deeper  than  love  of  life — a  feeling  tliat  may  exist  beyond  the 
narrow  limits  of  this  troubled  scene  !  My  country,  my  bleed- 
ing  country  is  maldng  demands  upon  me;  and  a  few  of  us,  in 
the  deep  love  that  we  feel  for  injured  Ireland,  are  periling  life, 
libert}',  and  all  that  we  hold  dear.  The  clash  of  arms,  tlie 
shout  of  victory,  or  the  wail  of  ignominious  defeat,  will  soon 
meet  our  ears.  With  this  vision  before  my  eyes,  1  still  must 
bow  to  a  pairsion  which  I  cannot  repel  from  my  heart  !  And 
vet  from  you,  how  cau  I  expect  a  return  of  these  sentiments  ? 
What  interest  can  you  feel  in  him  who  to  morrow  may  be 
called  to  the  awful  tribunal  of  his  country,  and  postsibly  to  an 
ignominious  death  ?  asked  Lt)rd  Fitzgerald. 

;My  Lord,  you  surprise  me  !  I  do  not  know  to  what  senti- 
ment  you  allude,  but  tiiis  place  is  unfit  for  the  utterance  of 
any  feeling  !  We  are  watched  !  I  see  the  face  of  a  disguised 
figure  now  turned  on  us  !  The  evidence  of  this  unknown  man 
may  consign  us  both  to  an  ignominious  grave  1  It  is  known 
to  all  that  we  are  Catholics,  and  suspicion  of  our  designs  is 
aroused,  and  we  must  leave  London  immediately  !  After  a 
short  residence  in  Ireland,  I  shall  return  to  France;  there  I 
will  devote  all  my  energies  to  the  cause  of  Ireland.  If  success 
should  crown  our  eflorts,  and  an  acceptable  Government  by 
our  agency  be  formed,  in  sweet  scenes  of  peace  and  happiness, 
the  interesting  subject  to  which  you  have  alluded,  shall  de- 
mand consideration,  and  to  you,  my  heart  may  be  devoted, 
said  Miss  Rivers. 

Must  you  return  to  France?  I  could  wish  that  circum- 
stances would  enable  you  to  remain  in  Ireland.  A  confiiet  is 
near,  and  life  to  all  is  uncertain.  Visions  are  flitting  before 
my  eyes;  I  see  beloved.  Ireland  crowded  to  the  dust,  and  at 
times  my  heart  bleeds.  In  tlie  darkest  moments  that  may  as- 
sail me,  life  would  be  cheered  by  youi'  presence.      But  if  sue- 


DESPOTISM.  99 

cess  should  crown  our  eflforts,  and  should  Ireland  be  raised  to 
her  rank  among  nations ;  with  whom  could  our  success  be 
enjoj^ed  ?  I  will  not  prolong  this  interview  ;  but  say  that  my 
feelings  are  reciprocated  ?  I  will  then  with  new  life,  urge  on 
the  conflict,  that  must  elevate  me  to  a  proud  place  in  the  Tem- 
ple of  Fame,  or  consign  me  to  a  traitor's  tomb,  said  Lord 
Fitzgerald. 

My  Lord,  I  was  not  prepared  for  this  declaration  !  The 
busy  scenes  in  which  we  are  called  to  act,  preclude  the  con- 
templation of  life's  joyous,  happy  hours.  Sterner  duties  first 
demand  our  thoughts.  Success  will  ensure  our  happiness ; 
and  mutual  sacrifices  will  cement  a  mutual  bond.  I  need  not 
tell  you  that  my  feelings  are  not  indifferent  to  your  happiness, 
or  my  ow^n.  Forget  for  a  time  this  interview,  with  the  assu- 
rance, that  if  Providence  smiles  on  our  sacred  cause,  to  you 
shall  be  pledged  all  the  energies  of  this  ambitious  heart  1  Im- 
mediately on  my  return  to  France,  I  will  seek  an  interview 
with  Napoleon,  and  bear  to  him  the  mission  which  I  have 
performed.  I  will  assure  him  that  Ireland  is  ready  for  her 
deliverance,  and  waits  only  for  France  !  In  the  gay  scenes  of 
Paris  or  Versailles,  in  success  and  glorious  victory  ;  or  in  the 
dark  hours  of  disappointed  hope,  even,  if  it  must  come,  the 
cold  cell  of  convicted  atfd  crushed  life,  my  heart  is  pledged  to 
you,  in  deepest  sympathy  !  I  could  have  wished  that  you  had 
sought  glory  in  other  fields,  but  Providence  has  ordered  other- 
wise, and  I  bow  in  submission  to  his  will. — England,  or  Ire- 
land, must  sink,  in  sorrow  to  a  fate  that  makes  the  heart  bleed ! 
But  justice,  injured  laws,  and  our  true  religion,  will  sanction 
this,  even  if  England,  with  all  her  chivalry,  shall  sink  to  rise 
no  more.  In  dreams,  I  see  scenes  of  blood  !  Passion's  horrid, 
desolating  war,  is  now  begun,  and  who  shall  be  the  first  to 
sheathe  the  sword  ?  Oh,  see  the  conflict !  Fathers,  brothers, 
sisters,  mothers,  in  one  mingled  mass,  for  life  with  brutal  foes, 
in  life's  lust  agonies  are  now  contending  I     See,   streams   of 


100  DESPOTISM. 

blood  from  the  hearts  of  dying  victims  now  are  flowing  !  They 
full,  they  fall,  in  one  mingled,  undistinguished  pile,  of  dead 
and  dying!  Look!  my  own  relations,  and  friends,  are 
now  for  life  contending  !  They  die,  they  die,  and  with  them> 
the  noble  souls  who  oft  have  led  my  country's  heroes  on  to 
victory,  and  borne  her  banners  nobly  !  Do  I  dream  ?  Oh  no, 
these  visions  are  soon  to  be  realities  I  Alas,  my  heart  tells  me 
this  is  more  than  dream  or  vision  !  But  weakness  shall  have 
no  place  in  hearts  that  were  made  to  guide,  and  elevate  a 
nation  !  Arouse,  act  nobly,  act  fearlessly,  and  trust  in  God  I 
Immediately  on  my  arrival  at  Paris,  I  will  write.  I  know  Na- 
poleon will  not  desert  us  I     Adieu. 


CHAPTER  .IV. 


THE    DRAMA. 

And  hence  the  charm  historic  scenes  impart : 
Hence  Tiber  awes,  and  Avon  melts  the  heart. 
Aerial  forms  in  Tempe's  classic  vale 
Glance  through  the  gloom,  and  whisper  in  the  gale; 
In  wild  Vaucluse  with  love  and  Laura  dwell. 
And  watch  and  weep  in  Eloisa's  cell. 

Rogers. 

The  house  of  Mr.  Coutts  in  Regent  street  was  surpassed  by 
few  even  of  the  highest  nobility  in  London.  To  great  wealth 
he  added  great  taste,  and  boundless  hospitality.  His  wealth 
and  education  had  given  him  access  to  the  highest  circles  of 
London. 

This  evening  his  levee  was  more  crowded  than  usual,  and 
nearly  five  hundred  persons  were  present.  Among  the  em- 
inent guests  were  Canning,  Lord  Byron,  Robert  Southey,  W. 
Gifibrd,  Charles  Lamb,  all  the  Foreign  Ambassadors,  the 
Duke  of  St.  Alban's,  Eugenia,  Mr.  and  Miss  Mitford,  Mrs. 
Opie,  T.  Campbell,  M.  G-.  Lewis,  R.  B.  Shelley,  R.  Heber, 
Mrs.  Hemans,  H.  H.  Milman,  Thomas  Hood,  Mrs.  Norton, 
Mr.  Carter,  of  New  York,  Manager  Coleman,  Mr.  Sheridan, 


102  DESPOTISM. 

Gen.  McDonald,  G.  F.  Cooke,  Mrs.  Barbauld,  J.  Q.  Adams, 
Dr.  Darwin,  Mr.  Macintosh,  Lady  Morgan,  Miss  Anna  Sew- 
ard, ]\[r.  Rogers,  "W.  Wordsworth,  S.  T.  Coleridge,  and  Sir 
AValter  Scott. 

Mr.  Coutts,  your  friends  have  assembled  in  larger  numbers 
than  usual  at  this  early  hour.  Yon  must  embrace  half  of 
London  in  your  social  circle,  said  Gen.  McDonald. 

The  perfo-rmance  of  a  play,  under  such  peculiar  circum- 
tances,  is  an  object  of  more  than  common  interest. 
My  own  desire  to  see  these  children  is  quite  as 
great  as  my  friends'  can  be ;  they  are  thought  by 
some  to  possess  unusual  talents,  but  Miss  Mitford, 
the  rich  and  talented  Eugenia,  the  Duke,  and  all  our  most 
valued  friends  are  engaged,  and  Manager  Coleman,  and  Mr. 
Gilford  of  the  Quarterly  Review,  are  to  be  spectators,  said 
Mr.  Coutts,  as  Lord  Byron  approached. 

My  Lord,  I  am  delighted  to  see  you  at  my  house  ;  the 
children  have  received  your  prologue,  and  Vic  has  committed 
it  to  memory,  and  you  will  please  accept  my  thanks  for  your 
kindness  to  them,  said  Mr.  Coutts. 

I  always  take  pleasure  in  assisting  the  unfortunate,  and 
shall  add  something  more  valuable  than  the  few  lines  which 
they  have  received  from  me,  said  Lord  Byron,  as  he  joined 
General  McDonald. 

Lord  Byron,  when  do  you  leave  England  to  take  a  part  in 
the  glorious  contest  of  Greece,  for  her  freedom  from  the 
Turkish  yoke  ?  I  am  sure  that  she  will  recover  her  inde- 
pendence, and  I  hope  will  destroy  every  Turk  now  on  Gre- 
cian soil.  I  wish  every  Turk  had  been  at  Navarino  when  it 
was  destroyed  by  the  French  and  English  fleet.  These  Turks 
have  white  slaves,  and  as  many  wives  as  they  please.  Tiie 
Sultan  has  six  hundred  in  his  harem,  and  the  whole  nation 
should  be  erased  from  the  map,  said  the  General. 

I  shall  leave  England  soon,  and  may  never  return.     I  have 


DESPOTISM  103 


pledo-ed  myself  to  the  cause  of  freedom  and  of  Greece,  and 
her  fate  will  be  ray  fate.  England  and  France  have  already 
sent  a  fleet  to  assist  the  Greeks-why  will  they  not  send  an 
army  also,  and  give  you  the  command  ?  I  intend  to  fight 
for  the  Greeks,  and  to  loan  them  the  amount  for  which  I 
have  sold  Newstead  Abbey,  said  Lord  Byron. 

My  Lord,  I  have  heard  of  your  noble  conduct  towards  the 
Greeks,  and  I  hope  your  example  will  be  followed  by  all  the 
noble  spirits  of  the  country,  said  the  General. 

Is  it  not  strange  that  all  Europe  has  not  risen   against  the 
Turks,  and  exterminated   them,   and   recovered  those   places 
rendered  dear  to  the  Christian,   and  to  the  readers  of  the  Bi- 
ble, and  classic  literature  ?     The  Bible  should  have  prevented 
Palestine  and  the  Holy  Land   from   the   desecration   of  the 
Turks  ;  it  certainly  would  if  the  Asiatics  had  been  endowed 
with  the  power  of  self-civilization ;  but   their  institutions    are 
equally  debasing  to  mind  and  body,  and  must  by  a  decree  of 
Providence  place  them  beyond  the  power  of  civilization.     All 
the   crusades,   ancient    and    modern,  have  not  been  able  to 
recover  the  Holy  Places,  or  to  infuse  into  the  Turks  the  least 
respect  for  Christianity,   and   they  never  will.     Turkey  must 
be     obliterated    from    the    earth,    and      other    races    must 
occupy  her  place.     The  Turks  hold  the  keys  of  every  sacred 
place,  dear  as  life  to  the  Christian,  and    assess   a   tribute   on 
all  who  visit  them.      Pilgrims  have  marched  in  hundreds  of 
thousands  to  these  shrines,  but  the  Turk   still    desecrates  all 
that  we  regard  as  sacred.      Peter  the  Hermit,   and    Cceur  de 
Lion  could  marshal  nearly   all  Europe    in   their  various  cru- 
sades,  but  Turkey  would   not   yield    her   polygamy  or  her 
slaves  to  any  Christianizing  intluence,  and  never  will. 

I  hope  my  example,  and  the  example  of  hundreds  who  are 
now  in  motion,  will  enable  Greece  to  recover  her  independence. 
We  owe  to  Greece  a  debt  not  easily  discharged.  Her  lan- 
guage and  literature  brought  with  them  one  half  of  our  civili- 


J  04  DESPOTISM. 

zation.  These  Turks  came  from  the  centre  of  Asia,  and,  un- 
der Mahomet,  were  near  extending  their  conquests  over  all 
Europe.  No  nation  was  ever  guilty  of  greater  cruelties  in 
their  wars  of  conquest  than  the  Turks.  \Yith  them  every  war 
was  a  religious  war — they  destroyed  all  who  did  not  bow  to 
the  crescent,  and  they  now  hold  under  their  iron  rule  every 
place  celebrated  in  ancient  history  or  the  Bible.  Palestine, 
Judea,  Carmel,  Basham,  Tabor,  Damascus,  Rama,  Jerusalem, 
Bfthlehera,  Nazareth,  Mount  Tabor,  Tyre,  Lebanon,  Pahnj-- 
ra,  Aleppo,  Antioch,  Miletus,  Hellespont,  or  the  modern  Dar- 
danelles; also  Joppa,  now  called  Jaffa,  so  conspicuous  as  the 
port  of  Judea,  and  the  only  point  of  communication  which 
David  and  Solomon  had  with  the  Mediteranean.  In  the  mid- 
dle ages,  Jaffa  rose  to  fame  from  being  the  nearest  port  to  Je- 
rusalem, for  the  landing  place  of  the  great  crusades,  under 
Eichard  Coeur  de  Lion  and  Philip  of  France.  Jaffa  continued 
the  head-quarters  of  the  Christians  in  those  celebrated  wars 
of  the  various  crusades,  and  was  the  scene  of  one  of  Napole- 
on's most  inhuman  acts — the  destruction  of  all  his  prisoners. 
All  the  places  conquered  by  the  Turks  are  sent  back  to  bar- 
barism. 

There  was  a  canal,  before  the  Christian  era,  which  connected 
the  Nile  with  the  Red  Sea,  but  it  has  been  closed  since  the 
Turks  conquered  the  country.  It  has  now  passed  into  the 
hands  of  a  company  of  Europeans,  and  it  is  to  be  reconstruct- 
ed. Hungary  was  the  battle-field  for  centuries  on  which  the 
Crescent  and  the  Cross  were  contending  for  victory ;  and  it 
would  be  fortunate  indeed  if  all  the  battles  that  are  to  be 
fought  between  Catholics  and  Protestants  could  be  fought  in 
Hungary  rather  than  in  England,  said  Lord  Byron,  as  he 
joined  his  friends. 

Those  who  listened  to  Lord  Byron's  remarks  were  im- 
pressed with  the  truth  of  his  views. 

I  see  Gifford,  the  critic,  in  the  corner  of  the  room ;  his  face 


DESPOTISM.  105 

alwaj's  looks  as  if  he  had  been  drinldng  vinegar,  and  was 
begging  for  a  lump  of  sugar  to  sweeten  him,  said  Mrs.  Bar- 
bauld. 

Do  yon  think  a  lump  of  sugar  would  sweeten  him  ?  I 
think  he  would  have  to  be  dipped  in  sugar,  like  an  almond, 
said  Dr.  Darwin. 

If  England  had  never  possessed  any  talented  authors  till  he 
discovered  them,  we  should  have  been  in  the  dark  ages  at  this 
time,  said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

I  know  of  no  sight  more  interesting  to  men  of  sensibility, 
than  that  of  a  young  person  stepping  forth  to  assume  an  ar- 
duous profession,  and  claiming  a  place  among  the  talented  and 
the  virtuous.  I  envy  not  the  person  whose  heart  does  not  re- 
spond to  such  deeply  interesting  scenes,  said  Dr.  Darwin. 

Miss  Kemble's  talents  are  to  undergo  a  rigid  criticism  to- 
night. It  would  be  perfect  ecstasy  for  these  critics  to  demol- 
ish such  a  fair  creature.  The  more  splendid  the  talents,  the 
more  conspicuous  is  the  mark  at  which  a  critic  aims,  and  the 
greater  his  happiness  if  he  can  only  level  the  actor  to  his  own 
miserable  criticism.  They  attack  all  alike  ;  and  when  an  actor 
or  a  writer  does  fail,  as  will  sometimes  hiippen,  the  critic  tri- 
umphs. No  person  can  estimate  the  broken  hearts  and  the 
sensitive  nerves  that  these  critics  destroy.  Here  is  a  fair 
creature,  only  fifteen  years  of  age,  an  orphan,  who  owes  to 
Miss  Mitford  all  that  she  is  ;  and  if  she  could  be  assisted  by 
the  critics,  an  etherial  spirit  might  be  fanned  into  a  tlame  that 
would  burn  brightly,  and  shed  a  lustre  over  a  devoted  circle 
of  admiring  friends;  but  I  know  that  they  will  crush  her,  said 
Mr.  Coutts. 

The  company  had  nearly  all  assembled,  and  all  were  ani- 
mated by  the  same  desire,  all  were  cheered  by  the  same  fond 
hope. 

The  history  of  Vic  has  charmed  many  romantic  girls,  and 
her  beauty  had  deeply  interested  more  than  one   of  the  audi- 


106  DESPOTISM. 

ence  before  whom  she  is  this  evening  to  appear.  Her  own 
heart  is  not  the  only  one  that  beats  with  deeper  anxiety,  as 
the  hour  for  her  success  or  defeat  steals  upon  us.  A  life  of 
splendid  success,  or  a  night  of  despair,  are  the  visions  now 
flitting  before  her.  Here  comes  old  Crabapple,  said  Mrs. 
Barbauld,  as  she  turned  from  Mr.  Coutts,  and  saw  Mr.  Gif- 
ford  approaching. 

These  children  are  to  achieve  a  great  victory,  or  will  be 
doomed  to  an  ignominious  defeat,  was  the  grave  and  measured 
lancruaffe  of  Gilford,  the  stern  critic. 

They  have  no  such  word  in  their  language  as  defeat !  If 
they  do  not  meet  the  expectations  oY  their  friends,  they  will 
try  again  ;  that  is  all  that  can  happen,  said  Mrs.  Opie,  as  Mr. 
G.  F.  Cooke  approached. 

If  I  could  only  be  assured  that  these  boys  will  be  able  to 
sustain  themselves,  as  well  as  I  know  Vic  will  sustain  her  part, 
I  should  be  relieved.  I  have  spared  no  pains  in  their 
education !  For  ten  years  they  have  been  my  constant 
companions,  and  they  have  claimed  all  the  affection  that  an 
own  parent  could  lavish  on  them.  I  cannot  think  of  their 
failure  !  My  heart  tells  me  they  will  not  fail  !  Who  knows 
the  anguish  of  a  parent's  heart,  when  a  beloved  child 
is  to  step  forth  and  assume  the  responsibilities  of  an  uncer- 
tain professional  life  ?  The  thousand  snares  that  are  set  to 
catch  unsuspecting  youth,  the  stores,  the  painted  vices,  the 
games,  the  nightly  revels,  the  influences  that  few  can  resist, 
and  that  bear  our  youth  to  the  grave  of  virtue  in  this  great 
city,  appall  my  heart!  Can  these  boys  escape?  asked  Mr. 
Cooke. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  will  you  walk  to  the  hall  ?  The 
play  will  soon  commence. 

The  company  was  seated.  The  bell  rang.  The  curtain 
rose.  !Miss  Kemble,  in  a  clear  voice,  recited  Byron's  beauti- 
ful prologue : 


DESPOTISM.  107 

Since  th«  refinement  of  this  polish'd  age 
Has  swept  immoral  raillery  from  the  stage; 
Since  taste  has  now  expunged  licentious  wit, 
Which  stamp'd  disgrace  on  all  an  author  writ; 
Since,  now,  to  please  with  purer  scenes  we  seek, 
Nor  dare  to  call  the  blush  from  Beauty's  cheek  ; 
Oh  !  let  the  modest  Muse  some  pity  claim, 
And  meet  indulgence  though  she  find  aot  fame. 
Still,  not  for  her  alone  we  wish  respect, 
Others  appear  more  conscious  of  defect; 
To-night,  no  Veteran  Roscii  you  behold. 
In  all  (he  arts  of  scenic  action  old  ; 
A  MiTFORD,  the  Kembles  will  salute  you  here, 
They  cannot  fail  to  draw  the  sympathetic  tear ; 
To-night,  you  throng  to  witness  the  debut 
Of  embryo  Actors,  to  the  drama  new. 
Here,  then,  our  almost  nnfletlged  wings  we  try; 
Clip  not  our  pinions,  ere  the  birds  cao  fly ; 
Failing  in  this  our  first  attempt  to  soar, 
Drooping,  alas  !  we  fall  to  rise  no  more. 
Not  one  poor  trembler,  only,  fear  betrays, 
Who  hopes,  yet  almost  dreads,  to  meet  your  praise, 
But  all  our  Dramatis  Personce  wait, 
In  fond  suspense,  this  crisis  of  th«ir  fate. 
No  venal  views  our  progress  can  retard, 
Your  generous  plaudits  are  our  sole  reward  ; 
For  these,  each  Hero  all  his  power  displays, 
Each  timid  ^roine  shrinks  before  your  gaze  ; 
Surely,  the  last  will  some  protection  find, 
None  to  the  softer  sex  can  prove  unkind  : 
Whilst  Youth  and  Beauty  form  the  female  shield, 
The  sternest  Censor  to  the  fair  must  yield. 
Yet  should  our  feeble  efforts  naught  avail, 
Should,  after  all,  our  best  endeavors  fail ; 
Still,  let  some  mei-cy  in  your  bosoms  live,  ' 
And,  if  you  can't  applaud,  at  least  forgive 

Miss  Mitford  appeared.  She  seemed  slightly  embarrassed. 
John  walked  with  a  cool  air  and  took  his  place.  The  dia- 
logue proceeded,  and  all  breathed  with  more  freedom.  In 
the  next  scene,  Vic,  Miss  ilitford,  Eugenia,  Charles  and  John 
appeared.  They  proceeded  for  a  few  moments,  till  all  had 
epoken,  and  then  there  commenced  an  applause  that  knew  no 
bounds.  All  was  still — and  the  play  proceeded,  with  an  oc- 
casionaJ  interruption,  to  the   end.     One  enthusiastic  burst  oi 


108  DESPOTrSK. 

applause  then   came  from  the  whole  audience,  in  which,  hj' 
some    mistake,  the  critics  joined  !     The    company  advanced 
and  joined  the  actors,  and  congratulations  were  mingled  with 
heartfelt  joy.     Could   genius   have   achieved   more  ?     Could 
happiness  have  been  more  complete  ? 

Mr.  Coleman,  if  you  wish  to  engage  these  children,  and  give 
them  half  the  proceeds  of  the  house,  you  can  do  so.  There  is 
Mi^s  ]Mitford,  and  there  is  Mr.  Cooke  ;  they  are  the  guardians, 
and  the}'  may  well  be  proud  of  such  adopted  children,  said 
Mr.  Rogers. 

I  shall  close  an  engagement  with  them  for  ten  nights,  said 
Mr.  Coleman. 

Ivlr.  Coleman,  that  is  one  of  the  most  amiable  and  accom- 
plished young  ladies  that  I  have  ever  known ;  her  education 
is  equal  to  that  of  any  lady  in  London,  and  has  been  superin- 
tended by  Miss  Mitford.  Miss  Kemble  is  the  centre  of  a  very 
large  circle,  all  of  whom  feel  a  deep  interest  in  her  welfare  ; 
thu'v  regard  her  as  highly  talented,  and  entertain  for  her  a 
strong  aftection.  They  think  her  destined  to  shed  a  lustre 
over  the  drama  and  the  age.  The  beautiful  conceptions  of 
the  poets  will  find  in  her  an  impersonation  of  their  own 
beauty.  She  will  assist  to  delight  the  world  of  intellect.  See 
to  her,  ^[r.  Coleman  !  See  that  she  is  treated  as  your  own 
daughter  !  Cherish  her,  love  her,  bestow  on  her  the  deep 
airectit)n  that  the  noblest  image  of  goodness  must  claim  frf)m 
hearts  of  sensibility.  Let  not  the  rough  wind  blow  upon  her, 
let  the  atmosphere  around  her  be  as  pure  as  she  is  pure  !  I 
know  what  the  life  of  an  actor  is ;  I  regret  to  say  that  I  know 
what  the  life  of  an  actress  is  !  This  age  is  better  than  any 
preceding  one,  but  it  is  bad  enough  !  It  must,  and  sliall  be 
i;nproved.  Catholics  and  their  habits  must  be  driven  from 
the  country.  The  virtuous  world  must  not  be  excluded  from 
all  places  of  amusement  by  impure  plays  and  impure  actors, 
and  by  the  tainted  atmosphere  that  surrounds  them.     Society 


DESPOTISM.  103 

must  be  elevated  by  new  and  wholesome  influences.  AYe  must 
have  plays  without  intrigue,  and  actors  and  actresses  who 
have  characters  to  sustain  them,  said  Mr.  Kogers. 

Mr.  Kogers,  I  will  be  to  Miss  Kemble  a  friend— I  will  fill 
the  place  of  a  parent.  I  will  be  to  her  all  that  afiectiou  can 
claim  from  age,  and  all  that  a  fond  parent  could  be  to  a  be- 
loved daughter.  I  will  watch  over  her,  I  will  guide  and 
guard  and  elevate  a  genius  of  surpassing  brilliancy.  I  cannot 
but  feel  the  deepest  solicitude  for  the  success  of  a  girl  of  such 
beauty  and  talent.  Through  all  the  changing  scenes  of  a 
theatrical  life,  arduous  enough.  Heaven  knows,  she  may  look 
to  me  for  encouragement,  direction,  and  constant  care.  She 
inherits  an  uncommon  genius.  Intellect  is  seen  glowing  alike 
in  every  expression,  and  in  every  thought.  She  must  be  emi- 
nent. To  whom  is  she  indebted  for  her  education  ?  asked  Mr. 
Coleman. 

To  Miss  Mitibrd  she  owes  all  the  eminence  that  she  may 
acquire.  Sustained,  taught,  encouraged  by  Miss  Mitibrd,  she 
is  now  to  step  forth  upon  an  untried  scene.  The  frail  bark  is 
freighted  with  fondest  hopes,  ardent  desires,  and  kindest 
■wishes — but  inexperience  guides  the  helm  !  A  glorious  re- 
ward will  cheer  us  all,  if  no  storm  shall  dash  her  upon  a  deso- 
late shore,  said  Mr.  Eogers. 

You,  Mr.  Eogers,  have  devoted  yourself  to  literature  while 
attending  to  the  drudgery  of  business.  I  know  the  feelings 
that  animate  all  literary  enthusiasts,  and  but  few  persons  do 
know  them.  To  literature,  to  science,  to  poetry  and  to  the 
drama,  the  world  is  deeply  indebted.  The  power  of  dramatic 
literature  to  charm  is  great,  but  its  influence  on  society,  in 
elevating  and  in  purifying,  is  infinitely  greater.  The  stage 
can  do  more  than  the  pulpit  to  civilize,  to  Christianize,  and  to 
lead  upward  a  whole  nation.  The  pulpit  reaches  but  a  small 
fraction  of  the  whole  country — the  stage  attracts  all  to  its 
shrine.     If  I  could  select  the  best  creations  of  the  best  poets, 


UU  DESPOTISM. 

and  prohibit  the  performance  of  all  others,  I  would  show  you 
an  engine  of  power  of  which  you  never  formed  a  conception. 
A  good  sentiment  was  never  uttered  by  any  person  in  public 
to  which  there  was  not  a  prompt  response  in  the  human  heart. 
The  world  was  not  originally  bad — the  heart  is  good  and  pure 
till  debased  by  bad  influences.  Bad  plays  should  be  prohib- 
ited by  rigid  enactments,  in  every  large  city,  and  they  are,  you 
know,  in  London.  Moral  and  historical  plays  should  be  free 
to  the  lower  classes.  I  will  accomplish  more  by  the  theatres, 
in  elevating  the  standard  of  morals  in  London,  or  any  other 
city,  than  all  the  pulpits  in  the  city.  The  pulpit  reaches  only 
those  who  are  already  above  the  v^-orst  influences  of  a  corrupt 
city;  but  the  stage  is  constantly  addressing  a  mass  too  low  to 
be  reached  by  any  other  moral  teaching.  Before  the  lowest 
theatres  of  London  were  placed  under  censorship,  I  could 
show  you  an  entire  audience,  admitted  at  a  low  charge,  every 
one  of  whom  was  a  large  or  a  small  criminal.*     The  pla}s 

*  We  copy  from  the  Mercantile  Guide  and  Family  Journal: 

A  Thievb^'  Exchange. — We  are  apt  to  think  that  London  offers  a  model  for  that 
chief  reliance  of  cities,  a  police  department  ;  but  it  seems  that  in  the  very  centre  of 
London  there  exists  a  foul  den  of  thieves  and  disturbers  of  the  public,  which  bids 
de6ance  to  the  whole  municipal  militia  of  that  great  city.  We  find  the  following  letter 
descriptive  of  one  of.these  den-",  in  a  1  ite  London  7'imes: 

"  In  the  heart  of  London,  on  every  successive  Sunday  in  the  year,  in  various  streets, 
allevs,  and  courts  to  the  north  of  Houndsditch  and  therefore  in  my  own  immediate 
neighborhood,  are  congregated  upwards  of  fifteen  thousand  persons  engaged  in  traflic  of 
various  kinds,  and  constituting  what  is  called  the  "  City  Exchange  Fair."  The  trade  is 
carried  on  principally  in  Cutler  Street,  Phil's  Buildings,  City  Exchange,  Exhibition  Mart, 
Harrow  Alley,  ani5  Petticoat  Lane,  places  notorious  in  the  annals  of  crime  for  outrages 
and  abominations  of  all  descriptions.  The  articles  offered  for  sale  consist  for  the  most 
p:>rt  of  wearing  apparel  and  jewelry,  and  the  fair  lasts  for  the  greater  portion  of  the  day. 
I  speak  from  personal  observation  and  inspection,  and  hesitate  not  to  characterize  the 
place  as  one  of  the  very  foulest  sinks  of  profligacy  and  crime  to  be  found  witliin  the 
length  and  breadth  of  London.  Of  the  fifteen  thousand  individuals  there  assembled, 
some  are  Jews  of  the  lowest  grade,  but  the  great  majority  are  nominally  Christians  ; 
uniting  together  in  forming  a  multitude  of  the  most  ignorant,  lawless,  brutal,  and 
degraded  ruffians  that  the  metropolis  can  furnish.  In  this  vile  liauut  crimes  are  both 
plotted  and  perpetrated ;  for,  in  a  spot  at  the  entrance  to  Harrow  Alley,  I  was  myself 
informed,  on  the  occasion  of  one  of  my  visits,  by  one  of  our  excellent  police,  that  of  all 
the  males  there  congregated,  of  various  ages,  and  to  the  number  of  several  hundreds, 


DESPOTISM.  Ill 

selected,  the  plays  purposely  written,  the   sentiments  uttered, 
were  the  sentiments  of  thieves  and  robbers. 

Impure  Novels  and  plays  have  done  more  to  degrade  the 
nation,  than  virtue,  religion,  or  schools,  or  science,  can  do  to 
elevate  its  morals,  its  character,  or  its  virtue.  Every 
man  who  writes  a  play  or  a  novel,  and  enshrines  virtue 
for  the  worship  of  her  votaries,  adds  to  the  purity  of  his  coun- 
try's morals,  and  the  power  to  resist  the  sea  of  bad  influences 
in  which  so  many  of  both  sexes  are  constantly  wrecked.  He 
who  writes  a  play,  a  novel,  or  a  poem,  that  pampers  the  bad 
passions,  inflicts  an  injury  on  society  that  his  own  example, 
and  that  of  hundreds,  however  virtuous,  cannot  counteract. 
Your  poems  have  been  honorable  to  your  genius,  and  to  your 
heart ;  but  who  are  they  that  are  benefitted  by  poetry  ? 
There  is  not  one  person  in  one  hundred  who  can  comprehend 


every  individual  had  been  a  convicted  felon.  Stolen  property  is  here  disposed  of  to  any 
extent,  "  and  no  questions  asked  ;"  and  an  inducement  is  thereby  held  out  to  thieves 
from  every  quarter  to  bring  hither  the  results  of  their  crimes,  assured  of  their  imme- 
diate and  safe  disposal.  I  could  furnish  you  with  many  details  of  this  den  of  horrors, 
but  I  will  content  myself  by  affirming  that  if  there  be  an  epithet  in  the  English  tongue 
more  descriptive  than  another  of  a  place  reeking  with  blasphemy,  clamor,  and  obscenity, 
and  of  a  loathsome  assemblage  stained  with  every  vice  named  or  nameless,  that  I  would 
select  and  apply  it  to  this  foulest  of  foul  scenes  and  filthiest  of  filthy  multitudes.  No 
man  can  possibly  imagine  it  who  has  not  visited  the  place  and  seen  it  with  his  own  eyes. 

"I  detest  Puritanism,  and  am  as  much  opposed  as  any  man  can  be  to  severities 
towards  the  poor.  But  tlie  suppression  of  tliis  infamous  fair  would  be  a  boon  to  tlie 
public  at  large.  I  will  not  believe  that  the  Legislature  is  cog-nizant  of  the  facts  above 
detailed,  and  of  such  a  scene  existing  in  the  midst  of  us  and  spreading  a  moral  contagion 
in  all  directions.  Were  it  known  for  what  it  really  is,  I  feel  sure  that  the  knife  and 
cautery  of  the  law  wrould  have  ere  now  removed  this  pestilent  ulcer  from  our  body  politic, 
and  at  least  for  one  day  in  seven,  have  cleansed  our  city  from  this  horrible  plague  spot. 
The  evil  is  not — cannot  be  known,  or  I  am  confident  it  would  not  be  suffered  to  exist. 

"  We  may  coincide  or  differ  on  some  of  the  minor  points  of  the  bill  now  under  discus- 
sion, and  at  the  same  time  give  each  other  credit  for  good  intention",  but  I  am  sure  we 
must  cordially  agree  in  our  condemnation  and  our  desire  for  the  immediate  suppression 
of  this  most  execrable  scene,  hateful  alike  to  God  and  man. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

THOMAS  HUGO, 
Senior  Curate  of  St.  Botolpb,  Bishcpsgate. 

Bi  nopSG.\TB  Strebt  Wixni.v,  July  2. 


112  DESPOTISJI. 

a  sentiment  uttered  in  elevated  poetic  language.  If  you  would 
employ  your  genius  in  writing  plays  or  novels,  you  would 
reach  every  reader,  and  your  sentiments  would  have  a  response 
from  every  heart.  Novels  are  read  by  young  persons  before 
virtue  is  fi.xed  in  the  mind.  A  French  novel  is  a  school  of 
vice,  and  the  French  people  are  accomplished  scholars  in  all 
that  tends  to  demoralize  society  and  a  reading  age.* 
Our  infant  schools,  our  Sunday  schools,  our  English  schools, 
our  seminaries  of  learning,  boundless  as  they  are,  may  be  ren- 
dered almost  useless  by  a  polluted  literature,  spread  over  a 
reading  world.  After  a  long  night  of  Catholic  darkness  and 
degradation,  the  human  intellect  is  springing  forward  with  an 
energy  that  knows  no  bounds.  The  demand  is  for  works  that 
interest  the  intellect  and  reach  the  heart  by  their  true  pictures 
of  real  life.  The  age  for  the  worship  of  old  saints  and  great 
sinners  is  past,  and  their  dogmas  are  thrown  to  the  winds.  It 
is  for  works  that  show  us  what  the  vast  capacities  of  the  hu- 
man mind  are,  and  not  what  the  ignorance  of  past  ages  has 
regarded  them.  It  is  for  works  which  show  that  this  country  • 
is  not  to  be  compared  with  the  Catholic  darkness  that  settled 
like  a  pall  upon  the  past  ages,  and  will,  if  unchecked,  desti'oy 
the  energy  of  the  coming  age. 

May  I  look  to  you,  Mr.  Rogers,  for  a  play  or  a  novel  that 
will  sustain  my  theory  of  society  as  we  find  it  in  this  enlight- 
ened age  ?  asked  ^Ir.  Coleman. 

Mr.  Coleman,  you  have  taken  me  by  surprise  !  I  did  not 
expect  to  receive  a  moral  lesson  from  a  theatrical  manager.  I 
am  delighted  with  your  views,  but  you  leave  me  no  opportu- 
nity for  argument.  I  can  do  no  more  than  assure  you  that  I 
approve  of  every  sentiment  that  you  have  uttered.     I  have 


*  Aa  eminent  French  actress,  who  recently  attracted  so  ranch  of  the  admiration  of  this 
country,  has  a  number  of  children  by  as  many  different  men,  and  is  a  perfect  impersona- 
tion of  French  socitty  and  French  morals.  At  her  splendid  palace  in  Paris,  she  nightly 
entertains  a  class  of  men  who  equally  disgrace  Paris,  French  society,  and  all  with  whom 

ey  associate. 


DESPOTISM.  113 

never  tried  my  powers  of  invention.  My  conception  of  the 
wants  of  the  reading  world,  however  correctly  it  may  be  form- 
ed, is  no  guarantee  that  I  could  create  the  characters  that 
would  interest  the  understanding,  or  the  sentiments  that  would 
captivate  the  heart,  or  find  a  response  in  the  mind  of  this 
highly  intellectual  age.  I  will  give  your  suggestions  due  con- 
sideration, and  I  may  possibly  attempt  to  draw  those  charac- 
ters that  would  be  approved  by  this  age  of  .virtue  and  intelli- 
gence, said  Mr.  Eogers,  as  he  withdrew. 

Mr.  GifFord,  how  were  3-ou  pleased  with  the  new  play  and 
the  young  actors  ?  I  recollect  you  called  Rieiizi  hard  names, 
said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

The  young  actors  performed  very  well,  and  the  play  gives 
me  encouragement.  Till  now,  I  have  seen  no  play  for  years 
worthy  to  be  called  such.  The  world  has  been  going  back- 
Ward.  We  had  no  plays,  we  had  no  poetry,  we  had  no  En- 
glish language.  The  plays  were  without  plot,  the  poetry  was 
all  prose,  with  the  lines  reversed.  Our  English,  I  fear,  is  to 
be  all  French  or  German.  I  have  almost  resolved  to  criticise 
no  more  books  of  any  kind.  If  you,  Mrs.  Barbauld,  or  your 
daughter,  would  write  a  play,  I  should  be  sure  that  it  would 
add  to  the  value  of  our  classic  literature.  Sir  Walter  Scott 
says  your  daughter  has  a  genius  of  high  order,  and  has  al- 
ready published  a  volume  of  poetry  which  I  have  not  seen. 
She  resides  at  Oxford,  does  she  not  ?  asked  Mr.  Gilford. 

She  does,  said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

I  hope  you  will  remind  her  of  the  dramatic  field.  No  talent 
would  be  so  well  rewarded.  We  have  but  few  plays  that  in- 
culcate virtue.  The  old  writers  who  had  genius,  selected  such 
indelicate  plots  as  to  unfit  them  for  the  parlor  of  modern  re- 
fined society,  said  Mr.  Gilford. 

The  poetry  of  my  daughter  is  admired  by  some  partial 
friends,  but  you  would  tear  it  to  atoms,  if  ofifered  for  criti- 
cism, said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 


114  DESPOTISM. 

You  do  me  injustice.  I  will  always  give  my  own  opinion 
of  a  writer  honestly,  and  I  care  not  whether  I  agree  with  an- 
other or  not ;  I  will  not  hesitate  to  speak  out,  and  my  criti- 
cism would  be  worth  nothing  if  I  were  to  do  otherwise,  said 
Mr.  Gifford,  as  he  withdrew. 

Mrs.  Eogers,  I  am  told  that  the  valiant  General  is  really 
engaged  to  Eugenia.     Is  it  true  ?  asked  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

There  is  nothing  more  probable — he  was  an  enthusiast  in 
every  thing,  and  I  have  for  some  time  suspected  his  attentions 
would  result  in  an  engagement,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

I  am  very  glad  to  hear  that  he  is  engaged — very  glad  in- 
deed :  these  marrying  men  are  always  in  the  way.  They  ask 
half  a  dozen  young  ladies  all  at  once  to  have  them,  and  the 
one  who  says  yes  first,  they  take  !  I  am  very  glad  indeed 
that  he  is  engaged  !  Ikly  nieces  were  very  much  alarmed  for 
fear  that  he  was  going  to  offer  himself  to  one  of  them.  I  am 
sure  we  should  never  have  allowed  Kate,  or  Ida,  to  have  him  ! 
To  have  an  officer — oh,  that  could  never  be  thought  of!  Do 
you  know  how  many  times  he  has  been  rejected  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Barbauld. 

I  never  heard  that  any  girl  had  an  opportunity  to  reject 
him.  Eugenia  is  the  richest  girl  within  our  circle,  and  I  think 
she  has  been  fortunate;  he  is  an  educated  man,  and  may  yet 
reach  a  peerage — and  that,  you  know,  is  what  all  cannot 
obtain,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Peerage !  A  pretty  man  for  a  peerage  1  Aunt  Ruth  says 
she  knew  him  when  he  went  barefoot  to  school,  in  the  high- 
lands of  Scotland.  He  had  better  talk  Engli-sh  before  he 
looks  for  a  peerage  !  He  has  been  rejected  nine  times  ! — yes, 
nine  times — Aunt  Ruth  says  so  !  Poor  fellow,  it  must  be 
very  refreshing  to  be  accepted  at  last  by  Eugenia,  or  any 
other  girl ;  I  hope  she  will  make  much  of  him.  Do  you  know 
who  his  father  was  ?  asked  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

I  do  not,  said  Mrs.  Eogers. 


DESPOTISM.  115 

He  was  the  drummer  of  a  regiment,  said  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

Oh,  then  he  had  a  father  !  You  know  that  many  young 
men  cannot  claim  that  distinction,  and  none  have  grandfathers 
except  the  nobility,  and  some  of  them  you  know  were  tailors  ! 
These  merchants  and  bankers  are  now  pretending  to  be  gen- 
tlemen !  There  are  so  many  of  these  upstart  rich  men — men 
of  yesterday,  that  they  will  outnumber  the  old  families  of  the 
nobility,  I  fear.  If  wealth  could  purchase  titles  or  respecta- 
bility, our  old  Scotch  families  would  stand  a  poor  chance  for 
eminence,  these  times.  The  McGregors  of  Scotland,  you 
know,  lived  at  one  time,  by  robbing  each  other;  but  the  pres- 
ent nobility  are  more  respectable  than  that.  You  know,  I 
suppose,  Mrs.  Barbauld,  that  I  am  related  to  King  Robert 
Bruce  !  Do  you  think  you  can  find  any  of  the  nobility  who 
can  go  further  back  in  their  genealogy  than  that?  I  will  ad- 
mit that  some  of  the  Scotch  were  not  so  refined  as  our  modern 
ladies  are,  but  our  family  is  ancient — and  that,  you  know,  is 
the  basis  of  all  the  nobility  of  England,  said  Mrs.  Eogers. 

Mrs.  Eogers,  what  do  you  think  of  emigration  ?  Do  you 
think  the  poor  creatures  who  go  to  America  die  without  much 
suffering,  or  is  it  generally  a  lingering  death  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Barbauld. 

I  hear  that  they  do  not  all  die  in  the  hospitals  of  that  pesti- 
lential climate  :  for  it  is  certain  one  Bishop  has  made  a  for- 
tune by  selling  graves  to  Catholics.  The  Catholics,  I  suppose 
you  have  heard,  are  now  a  political  party,  and  are  largely  re- 
presented in  the  President's  privy  council,  and  fill  the  best  of- 
fices. The  bow  and  arrow  are  now  exchanged  for  the  dii-k 
and  pistol,  which  are  carried  by  all  parties,  but  more  generally 
by  the  aristocracy,  who  have  acquired  the  title  of  sporting 
gentlemen.  The  new  importation  of  priests  and  patriots  have 
introduced  a  high  degree  of  refinement,  and  they  monopolize 
the  fighting,  and  the  calling  of  each  other  liars,  and  other 
names  familiar  with  them,   but   not  found  in  the  dictionaries. 


116  DESPOTISM. 

The  country  is  undoubtedly  progressive,  but  it  is  generally 
thought  to  be  doiomvard,  by  the  Bishops,  and  those  who  buy 
and  sell  churches,  and  masses,  and  trade  in  land  and  religion, 
said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Do  tlie  natives  still  carry  the  scalping-knife  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Barbauld. 

The  President  is  a  native  American,  and  is  called  the  Great 
Father  by  all  the  Indian  tribes — and  they  ought  to  know  their 
own  relations — and  I  am  sure  all  the  natives  are  savages,  and 
carry  sculpiug-knives,  and  use  them  too,  said  Mrs.  liogers. 

I  know  a  young  couple,  with  two  lovely  children,  who  wish 
to  emigrate,  but  they  are  entirely  without  the  means  of  paying 
their  passage — do  you  know  any  Society  that  will  help  them 
ofl'  ?  asked  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

Certainly  I  do.  The  Commissioners  of  the  Poor  will  pay 
a  part  of  the  passage,  possibly  all,  in  the  miserable  vessels 
now  carrying  off  the  scum  of  our  population.  Tiiey  have  paid 
the  fare  of  thousands.  I  know  a  great  many  towns  that  have 
sent  every  tenant  of  their  poor-houses  to  the  United  States, 
and  have  rented  their  workhouses ;  this  you  know  is  much 
cheaper  than  supporting  them  in  England.  The  Duke  of 
Northumberland  has  sent  to  the  United  Slates  at  his  own  ex- 
pense, five  hundred  of  his  own  tenants,  nearly  all  of  whom 
were  women  and  children,  and  men  without  sense.  They  had 
married  cousins,  till  half  of  them  were  of  one  name,  and  till 
there  were  not  half  a  dozen  who  had  sense  enough  to  earn  a 
living.  The  Government  is  constantly  sending  convicts  to 
America,  and  no  longer  send  any  to  the  penal  colonies  in  Aus- 
tralia.    We  shall  soon  have  good  times  in  England. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  our  levee  will  be  held  on  Wednes- 
day evening  next.  Will  you  mention  the  night  to  our  friends, 
and  say  to  them  we  ask  the  favor  of  a  general  attendance,  as 
the  chaplets  are  to  be  presented  to  the  Kembles,  said  Mrs. 
Eogers. 


DESPOTISM.  117 

Mr.  Coutts,  said  Mr.  Wiggin,  the  nest  levee  of  our  friends 
will  be  honored  with  the  company  of  Mr.  Bates,  formerly  of 
Boston,  and  now  a  partner  in  the  banking  house  of  Baring, 
Brothers  &  Co.  Lord  Ashburton  is  a  partner  of  the  house — 
and  in  a  recent  emergency  placed  one  million  sterling  of  his 
private  property  to  the  credit  of  the  house.  Mr.  Gray  of  Bos- 
ton, one  of  their  richest  men,  was  a  correspondent  of  Samuel 
Williams,  whose  recent  failure  was  announced  on  'Change. — • 
I  was  born  in  Boston,  and  my  early  business  life  was  spent 
in  that  city.  After  establishing  a  house  in  London,  where  I 
have  spent  the  most  of  my  time  recently,  I  am  about  to  return 
to  Boston  to  reside  ;  but  shall  visit  London  occasionally,  as 
long  as  my  partners  continue  the  business  of  our  house.  I 
am  acquainted  with  the  merchants  of  Boston,  and  entertain 
for  them  the  very  highest  respect.  They  are  mostly  self  made 
men,  and  started  from  the  public  schools  ;  they  are  now  gen- 
erally wealthy,  and  command  the  respect  of  the  commercial 
world.  I  have  visited  Boston  frequently  during  my  residence 
in  London,  and  always  with  increased  pleasure.  There  are 
more  rich  and  liberal  men  in  Boston,  than  in  any  other  city  in 
the  LTnited  States,  and  their  annual  donations  to  charitable  so- 
cieties amount  to  nearly  three  hundred  thousand  dollars.  The 
Honorable  William  Gray  had  some  years  since  in  his  employ, 
as  a  sea  captain,  Mr.  Beckford,  to  whom  be  was  much  attach- 
ed. He  also  had  in  his  employ  a  clerk,  to  whom  he  was 
equally  attached,  by  the  name  of  Bates.  Mr.  Gray  loaned 
them  capital,  and  they  commenced  business  in  Boston,  under 
the  firm  of  Beckford  &  Bates.  At  that  time  there  was  a  mer- 
chant by  the  name  of  S ,  who   had   three   children,   two 

daughters  and  one  son ;  the  son  was  for  years  an  officer  in 
the  United  States  Navy.  Mr.  Bates  offered  his  hand  to  one 
of  the  daughters,  was  accepted,  and  soon  married.  Soon  after, 
Mr.  Gray  sent  Mr.  Bates  to  Europe  as  his  resident  partner, 
and  to  him  were  consigned  all  his  India  vessels  for  years.     On 


118  DESPOTISM. 

relinquishing  business,  Mr.  Gray  recommended  Mr.  Bates  to 
Messrs.  J.  &  T.  H.  Perkins  of  Boston,  in  whose  employ  he 
remained  till  invited  by  Lord  Ashburton  to  join  his  house, 
Baring,  Brothers  &  Co.* 

Near  Mr.  Sturges,  there  lived  Mr.  Marshall,  who  had  three 
daughters  and  one  son.  Mr.  Marshall  was  an  India  merchant, 
and  Mr.  Sturges  sold  hats,  and  according  to  the  refined  code  of 
Boston  exclusive  society,  the  former  gentleman  ranked  some 
degrees  above  the  latter. 

All  the  daughters  of  Mr.  Marshall  were  handsome,  but  Emi- 
ly was  beautiful.  She  possessed  all  the  beauty  of  countenance 
and  expression,  all  the  elegance  of  shape  and  motion,  all  the 
grace  and  fascination,  with  which  woman  is  capable  of  being 
endow-ed  by  nature.  Her  hair  was  black,  her  eyes  were  dark, 
and  her  complexion  clear  and  tansparent.  Her  arms  and 
hands  were  faultless,  her  stature  was  medium.  An  expression 
of  countenance  which  no  painter  could  reach,  and  no  writer 
could  sketch,  formed  a  being  that  may  never  again  visit  the 
earth.  She  danced,  she  conversed,  she  smiled,  as  no  other 
person  ever  danced,  conversed,  or  smiled.  A  person  of  equal 
claims  to  transcendent  beauty,  does  not  live.  Those  who 
saw  her  in  her  coach,  or  in  the  street,  were  compelled  instinc- 
tively, and  unconsciously,  and  against  all  laws  of  politeness, 
to  stop  and  gaze  upon  an  object,  that  seemed  to  them  a  celes- 
tial visitor.  I  have  known  many  beautiful  ladies  in  Boston, 
London,  Paris,  Berlin,  and  Rome,  but  I  never  saw  one 
whose  claims  compared  with  hers,  said  Mr.  Wiggin. 

Can  you  give  us  a  sketch  of  the  prominent  young  men  of 
your  time  ?  asked  Mr.  Rogers. 


*  Mr.  Bates  is  now  acting  as  umpire,  appointed  bj'  England  and  the  United  States,  in 
tlie  disputed  cases  submitted  under  the  commercial  treaty  recently  made  by  the  two 
governments.  He  Las  recently  awarded  to  Mr.  Fry,  of  Xew-York,  and  to  llr.  Faroham's 
heirs,  one  hundred  and  ten  thousand  dollars,  unjustly  taken  from  them  nearly  twenty 
years  since,  and  unjustly  retained  by  the  English  government. 


DESPOTISM.  119 

I  knew  all  the  young  and  middle-aged  men  who  were  then 
on  the  business  stage,  and  all  of  them  are  now  filling  high 
places  with  honor  to  themselves  and  their  country.  I  knew 
five  brothers  at  school  at  Groton,  by  the  name  of  Lawrence — 
all  possessing  talents  of  a  high  order.  One  of  these  was  des- 
tined by  his  talents,  to  add  largely  to  the  high  character  of  the 
American  people.  All  who  knew  him  felt  assured  that  he 
would  achieve  all  that  education,  talent,  enterprise,  virtue,  lib- 
eral it}^,  and  devoted  attachment  to  the  Union,  can  achieve. — 
His  State  torn  by  factions,  will  receive  from  him  sentiments  of 
wisdom,  which  will  during  his  life,  stay  the  tide  of  fanaticism 
now  threatening  to  sweep  union  and  its  blessings  from  our  fa- 
vored land.  Fortunate  indeed  will  it  be,  if  Massachusetts 
shall  regard  his  suggestion,  and  make  education,  scientific  ac- 
quirements, and  respect  for  our  Constitution,  the  cherished 
purposes  of  a  devoted  life.  I  knew  a  boy  at  school  in  Hills- 
boro',  N.  H.,  by  the  name  of  Franklin  Pierce,  a  young  man 
of  great  promise,  and  the  son  of  a  revolutionary  patriot.  Gen. 
Pierce.  I  knew  two  boys  in  college  by  the  name  of  Sumner, 
sons  of  the  high  sheriff  of  Boston.  1  knew  a  boy  in  the  store 
of  Whitwell,  Bond  &  Co.,  by  the  name  of  B.  Seaver.  I  have 
seen  a  boy  making  shoes  at  Natick,  Mass.,  by  the  name  of 
Henry  Wilson.  I  have  seen  a  boy  studying  his  lessons,  by 
the  name  of  Smith,  and  I  have  seen  him  a  devoted  student  in 
science. 

I  have  seen  at  Haverhill,  a  boy  at  work  with  his  coat  off,  by 
the  name  of  Spofford,  and  have  seen  another  at  the  same  place 
by  the  name  of  Tileston.  Their  talents  will  raise  them  to  the 
highest  eminence  in  the  commercial  community.  I  have  seen 
a  boy  at  his  father's  store  in  Marlboro  street,  Boston,  by  the 
name  of  George  Ticknor.  I  have  seen  a  boy  attending  school 
at  Charlestown  by  the  name  of  Walker.  I  have  seen  John 
Adams,  the  second  President  of  the  United  States,  in  his  own 
house  in  Ouincy.     He  has  told  me  that  he  did  not  speak  to 


120  DESPOTISM. 

Thomas  Jefferson,  the  third  President  of  the  United  States, 
for  twenty  years — but  at  the  age  of  nearly  eighty  years,  they 
renewed  their  friendship,  and  buried  all  political  animosities. 
Adams  was  the  leader  of  the  Federalists,  and  Jefferson  of  the 
Jacobins.  During  their  political  ascendancy,  every  Federal- 
ist wore  a  black  cockade,  and  every  Jacobin  wore  a  white 
one.  In  those  days  there  were  but  two  political  parties,  and 
party  spirit  was  intlamed  to  a  degree,  of  which  it  is  not  easy 
to  form  a  conception.  These  eminent  statesmen  and  benefac- 
tors of  their  country,  died  at  an  advanced  age,  on  the  fourth 
of  July,  within  a  few  hours  of  each  other.  I  have  heard  Dan- 
iel Webster  deliver  their  funeral  oration,  and  in  terms  of 
tlirilling  eloquence,  he  urged  all  parties  to  cultivate  a  love  of 
the  Union,  as  our  only  sheet  anchor.  If  we  live  under  a  Con- 
stitution unequaled  in  the  world,  it  is  to  Adams,  Jefferson, 
Franklin,  and  those  who  framed  the  Constitution,  and  to  Web- 
ster who  defended  it,  that  we  owe  all  our  eminence. 

I  knew  a  boy  in  the  public  school  in  Dorchester,  by  the 
name  of  Edward  Everett.  I  have  placed  myself  in  a  window 
in  Brattle  street  church  to  hear  him  preach — no  other  place 
could  be  obtained  ;  at  that  time  he  was  but  twenty  years  of 
age.  I  have  heard  Mr.  Holly  deliver  his  discourses  with  as 
much  eloquence  as  Mr.  Everett,  and  neither  of  them  has  ever 
been  equalled  by  his  successors.  Mr.  Holly,  unlike  iSlr.  Eve- 
rett, refused  to  have  a  single  sermon  printed.  I  have  attentl- 
ed  the  wedding  of  Mr.  Everett,  when  he  was  united  to  the 
richest  heiress  in  Boston. 

I  have  seen  a  boy  attending  school  at  Worcester,  by  the 
name  of  George  Bancroft.  I  have  heard  both  father  and  son 
preach  in  a  Unitarian  church.  In  some  persons,  genius  is 
discoverable  at  an  early  age.  To  men  of  genius  the  w^orld 
must  always  be  indebted  for  its  progress  and  its  greatest  ele- 
vation. They  despise  the  prurient  influence  of  dogmas,  and 
aid  us  by  the  light  of  true  philosophy. 


DESPOTISM.  121 

I  have  heard  H.  G.  Otis,  who  was  at  the  head  of  the  aris- 
tocracy, make  speeches  of  great  eloquence  on  Sunday  evening 
at  Faneuil  Hall.  He  always  argued,  as  did  all  the  members 
of  the  Hartford  Convention,  that  any  State  had  a  perfect  right 
to  secede,  nullify,  or  form  for  herself  a  separate  government. 
This  doctrine  converts  the  Constitution  into  a  rope  of  sand, 
and  when  once  adopted  by  a  majority  of  the  States,  the  Union 
will  no  longer  have  sufficient  strength  to  bear  its  own  weight. 
Mr.  Otis  was  a  man  of  eminent  talents,  and  he  well  knew  to 
what  results  such  sentiments  would  some  day  tend  ;  but  a  dis- 
like to  the  government,  and  a  love  of  popularity,  induced  him, 
in  common  with  all  abolitionists,  to  perform  the  part  of  a  de- 
magogue. I  have  seen  his  son,  H.  G.  Otis,  Jr.,  attempt  to 
make  a  speech,  and  break  down.  I  have  heard  men  of  great 
eloquence  advocate  political  sentiments,  which  their  children 
Eow  occupying  high  places,  will  refuse  to  acknowledge. 

I  have  heard  Josiah  Quincy,  Senior,  make  a  speech  in  Fa- 
neuil Hall,  in  which  he  argued  that  it  was  unbecoming  a  mor- 
al and  religious  people,  to  rejoice  at  the  success  of  our  army, 
or  navy,  over  England,  with  whom  we  were  then  at  war.  I 
have  seen  a  resolution  to  the  same  effect,  adopted  by  a  large 
majority  1  I  have  seen  a  convention  from  all  the  New  Eng- 
land States  assembling  at  Hartford,  the  object  of  which  was, 
secret  discussion  of  secession,  and  disunion.  I  have  frequent- 
ly heard  Dr.  Morse  preach  in  Charlestown.  I  have  seen  his 
two  sons  of  great  talent,  attending  school  in  the  same  place. — 
One  of  them  is  destined  to  acquire  an  eminence  in  science,  un- 
surpassed by  any  man  who  ever  lived.  I  have  attended  wor- 
ship in  the  old  South,  in  which  the  British  troops,  in  the  rev- 
olutionary war,  trained  theu*  horses.  I  have  visited  Daniel 
Webster  in  Sumner  street,  and  I  have  heard  him  urging  the 
conviction  of  the  two  Crownshields,  who  murdered  Mr.  White, 
aged  seventy-five  years,  a  man  of  great  wealtl),  and  the  high- 
est respectability.  The  murder  was  committed  iu  the  still 
6 


122  DESPOTISM. 

hours  of  the  night,  when  the  pious  man  had  commended  his 
spirit  to  his  God,  and  was  sleeping  to  wake  no  more  on 
earth  !  This  murder  was  committed  by  two  youfig  brothers 
lor  a  small  consideration  ;  the  price  was  paid  by  him  who  was 
!!n  heir  to  the  property — but  a  will  was  found,  and  he  was 
not  the  fortunate  inheritor  !  One  of  the  brothers  couimitled 
^uicide,  and  the  other  was  hung  with  Knapp,  who  paid  them 
lor  the  murder :  the  three  were  connected  with  the  very  first 
families  of  Salem. 

I  have  heard  Major  Benjamin  Kussell  open  all  the  Sunday 
evening  caucuses  in  Faneuil  Hall,  for  a  series  of  years.  The 
Major  was  editor  of  the  Columbian  Centinel,  and  the  leader  of 
the  Federal  party,  or  the  secessionists  of  those  days.  H.  Aus- 
tin was  the  editor  of  the  Independent  Chronicle,  and  the  lead- 
er of  the  Jacobins.  Thomas  Selfridge  oflfended  the  son  of  Aus- 
tin, and  young  Austin  caned  him  in  State  street.  Selfridge 
took  from  his  pocket  a  pistol,  and  killed  him  instantly,  and  es- 
caped without  punishment.  I  have  known  the  President  of 
the  United  States  to  order  out  the  militia  of  Massachusetts,  to 
be  commanded  by  the  United  States  oflBcers,  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  seaboard.  I  have  known  the  Governor  to  refuse, 
and  thus  resist  the  constitution  and  the  laws.  Tlie  troops 
were  ordered  out,  but  were  kept  under  the  State  officers  ap- 
pointed by  the  Governor. 

This  was  the  first  act  of  Nullification,  and  as  a  dangerous 
precedent  has  inflicted  a  deep  wound  upon  the  Constitution — 
and  if  not  rebuked,  will  lead  to  certain  dissolution  of  the 
Union,  and  to  anarchy,  and  ultimately  to  despotism. 

I  have  seen  Charles  Sprngue,  the  eminent  poet,  and  finan- 
cier, with  his  books  attending  a  public  school.  I  have  visited 
in  the  house  now  standing,  in  which  John  Hancock  lived  at 
the  time  that  he  sipned  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  as 
President  of  the  Convention.  Those  who  value  freedom  should 
make  9,  pilgrimage  to  this  shrine,  to  which  we  are  at  least  as 


DESPOTISM.  123 

deeply  indebted  as  to  the  emigrants  in  the  Mayflower.  I  have 
frequently  been  in  the  building,  now  standing  on  the  spot, 
where  Franklin  was  born.  I  have  often  visr^ited  the  revolu- 
tionary wharf,  and  in  imagination  seen  the  Americans,  dress- 
ed like  Indians,  who  threw  into  the  ocean  the  cargoes  of  tea, 
on  which  England  had  demanded  a  tax  that  freemen  could 
not,  and  would  not  pay.  To  drink  tea  at  that  time  was  cer- 
tain to  incur  the  disgrace  of  being  a  tory. 

I  have  been  intimately  acquainted  with  Isaiah  Thomas  of 
Worcester,  who  published  the  first  newspaper  in  the  United 
States.  I  have  been  a  schoolfellow  with  Palfrey  and  his  bro- 
thers, at  Milton,  Massachusetts.  I  have  at  the  same  place 
been  a  schoolfellow  with  E.  B.  Forbes  and  his  brother,  I  have 
seen  a  boy  in  the  grocery  store  of  Crocket  &  Seaver,  by  the 
name  of  Thayer.  I  have  seen  his  brother  in  a  broker's  office 
in  State  street.  I  have  seen  Uriah  Cotting  projecting  great 
schemes  for  improving  a  great  city.  He  added  millions  to 
their  wealth,  and  died  without  friends,  and  has  not  a  monu- 
ment of  respectability  to  mark  his  resting-place.  The  respect 
paid  to  departed  worth,  is  a  sure  test  of  the  virtues,  and  the 
intelligence,  of  a  living  age.  Tlie  Bostonians  should  erect  a 
Pantheon  to  the  memory  of  their  illustrious  men.  They  could 
fill  every  niche  with  names  which  have  shed  a  lustre  upon  their 
city,  and  the  country. 

I  have  been  acquainted  with  J.  and  T.  II.  Perkins,  whose 
liberality  to  the  blind  should  never  be  forgotten.  No  city 
could  ever  claim  men  of  so  much  wealth  and  liberality  as  the 
Bostonians — and  no  city  was  ever  raised  to  the  same  eminence 
by  their  wise  legislation,  and  their  excellent  institutions.  The 
Bostonians  have  reformed  half  the  errors  that  formerly  dis- 
graced large  cities,  and  no  person  accomplished  so  much  for 
them  as  the  venerable  Josiah  Quiney.  Their  greatest  vice 
still  exists,  to  inflict  the  deepest  misery  on  thousands  of  wid- 
ows and  of  orphans.     If  they  could  transform    their    abolition 


124  DESPOTISM. 

agitators  into  advocates  for  temperance  and  virtue,  the  lives  of 
these  men  would  inflict  no  injury  on  their  country. 

I  have  seen  a  boy  attending  school  from  his  father's  house 
in  Charlestown,  by  the  name  of  Samuel  Osgood.  I  have  fre- 
quently vifited  Dr.  Holbrook  of  Milton,  who  owned  a  situation 
on  Milton  Hill,  unsurpassed  for  the  beauty  of  its  surrounding 
landscape.  I  knew  ISEr.  Grant,  who  devoted  a  life  to  the 
cause  of  reform  in  their  social  habits.  I  have  seen  John  Au- 
gustus devoting  the  energies  of  a  whole  life  to  the  ameliora- 
tion of  the  sufferings  of  the  poor  and  friendless.  I  have  seen 
a  boy  by  the  name  of  Enoch  Train  in  the  store  of  Samuel 
Train.  I  have  been  intimately  acquainted  with  Loring  and 
Curtis,  eminent  merchants.  I  have  associated  with  Gassett  & 
Upham,  Minchin  &  Welsh,  Tappan  &  Mansfield,  John  Tap- 
pan,  Tuckerman,  Rogers  &  Gushing,  Samuel  Dorr,  B.  &  C. 
Adams,  Draper  &  Stone,  Games  and  Rodes,  and  T.  R. 
Wales. 

I  have  seen  Mr.  Eliott,  one  of  the  earliest  importers,  and 
the  latest  to  wear  the  three-cornered  revolutionary  hat.  He 
died,  leaving  one  million  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  to  sons 
who  have  nobly  sustained  their  father's  high  character. 

I  have  seen  Fulton  at  work  daily  in  New  York,  with  untir- 
ing industry,  till  complete  success  crowned  his  efforts,  and  en- 
abled him  to  propel  his  boat  by  steam,  at  the  rapid  rate  of 
five  miles  an  hour  !  Inventors  and  discoverers  are  entitled  to 
more  veneration  than  those  who  improve,  or  adapt  to  use,  the 
discoveries  of  others.  I  have  seen  a  boy  at  work  in  a  mecha- 
nic's shop,  in  the  same  place,  by  the  name  of  Hoe.  The  time 
occupied  by  a  prosy  speechmaker  may  be  sufficient  for  Hoe 
to  multiply  his  speech  one  hundred  thousand  times — and  in 
the  same  time,  Morse  may  send  the  speech  three  times  round 
the  world  ! 

I  have  been  acquainted  with  John  Parker,  who,  dying,  left 
three  millions  of  dollars  to  his  worthy  family,  but  forgot  the 


DESPOTISM.  125 

public  charities,  that  add  so  much  to  the  high  character  of  the 
Bostonians.  I  have  seen  the  wealthy  and  -eccentric  family  of 
Wigglesworth,  possessing  immense  wealth,  walking  ten  miles 
before  breakfast  for  a  whole  lifetime,  puzzling  naturalists,  and 
exciting  the  smiles  of  all  who  saw  such  singularity.  I  have 
seen  Benjamin  Bussey,  who  was  a  button  maker  in  early 
life,  driving  four  horses  in  his  own  coach.  His  donation  to 
Cambridge  University,  was  a  farm — now  of  immense  value. 
I  was  acquainted  with  Mr.  McLane,  who  endowed  the  Hos- 
pital that  bears  his  name,  and  one  of  the  best  of  the  numerous 
charitable  institutions  of  the  State. 

I  know  the  names  of  all  Bostonians,  who  have  supported 
with  their  talents  and  their  wealth,  the  institutions  which  will 
reflect  credit  on  the  city,  the  country,  and  their  own  name, 
for  all  coming  time.  I  have  seen  enough  of  Bostonians,  and 
their  institutions,  to  satisfy  all  reflecting  men  that  the  great 
men  of  one  age,  are  the  persons  to  whom  the  succeeding  age 
are  indebted  for  all  the  good  institutions  under  which  they 
live.  For  the  regard  that  the  leading  Bostonians  feel  for 
those  who  are  soon  to  succeed  them,  they  are  bound  to  perse- 
vere in  their  virtuous  reforms.  They  should  lay  broad  and 
deep  the  institutions  for  which  they  are  contending.  They 
should  ever  agitate  public  sentiment,  and  bring  every  voice  to 
the  support  of  virtue  and  its  best  institutions.  They  have  a 
man  among  them  who  may  achieve  a  victory  over  the  suffer- 
ino-8  of  the  human  family,  that  can  never  be  surpassed.  The 
agonies  of  life,  and  the  pains  of  death,  may  be  by  his  disco- 
veries lulled  to  repose.  The  self  inflicted  sufi"erings  will  then 
be  all  that  can  afflict  the  world.  Some  other  benefactor  of  the 
world  may  arise  to  complete  the  dispensation,  and  show  us 
how  to  close  the  avenues  to  vice,  and  enable  us  to  drive  sick- 
ness, sorrow,  and  sufiering  from  the  w^orld.  When  this  is 
accomplished,  the  Bostonians  will  add  another  to  her  claims, 
of  having  the  most  perfect  city  that  can  be  found  in  any  coun- 


126  DESPOTISM. 

try.  If  they  can  succeed  and  fix  temperance  on  their  soil, 
every  city  will  imitate  their  example,  and  strive  to  reap  their 
reward. 

The  success  of  this  intellectual  and  free  people,  is  not  to  be 
limited  by  the  success  of  European  Catholic  demoralized 
cities. 

I  have  seen  all  the  Appletons,  the  Parkmans,  the  Sears, 
Masons,  Thorndikes,  "Warrens,  Bigelows,  Jacksons,  Wins- 
lows,  Emersons,  Bradleys,  Gerrys,  Sullivans,  Mortons,  Dear- 
borns, Sumners,  Phillips,  Lawrences,  Johnsons,  Howes,  Grays, 
Lowells,  and  Sewells.  I  have  seen  all,  to  whom  a  splendid 
city  owes  her  pre-eminence — and  some  to  whom  she  is  not 
deeply  indebted. 

Mr.  Adams,  you  have  allowed  me  to  run  on  with  my  recol- 
lections of  past  times,  always  interesting  to  persons  of  our 
age.  You  represent  the  United  States  in  one  of  the  Euro- 
pean courts,  and  you  have  seen  the  most  of  Europe  ;  you  will 
oblige  us  by  giving  your  views  of  the  mi.«sion  of  a  nation  that 
is  now  filling  the  minds  of  all  Europe.  Will  you  indulge  us 
with  a  comparison  of  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  two 
countries  ?  You  are  well  acquainted  with  the  cities  of  Wash- 
ington, Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  New  York,  Brooklyn,  Boston, 
Salem,  &c.  &c.  We  both  know  that  the  United  States  are 
some  day  to  occupy  an  elevated  position  in  the  family  of  na- 
tions, and  you  will  excuse  me,  when  I  say  that  you  have  done 
your  full  share  of  labor,  to  fix  on  our  soil  the  institutions 
which  we  both  hope  will  exist  forever.  You  have  seen  the 
lovely  private  residences  in  Middlesex  in  England,  and  you 
have  seen  those  around  New  York  city.  Those  which  sur- 
round New  York,  and  all  the  large  cities  of  the  great  ccuin- 
try,  are  already  well  known  and  admired.  You  have  seen 
the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  and  the  lovely  villas  with  which  they 
are  adorned,  and  you  have  seen  Long  and    Staten   Island. — 

You  have  seea  Roxbury,  Brookline,  Dorchester,  Newton, 


DESPOTISM.  127 


and  their  lovely  residences  will  not  soon  be  forgotten,  said 
Mr.  Wiggin.  . 

I  have  seen  nearly  all  of  England,  and  I  have  been  m  doubt 
which  place  most  deeply  interested  me.     The  trade  of  Liver- 
pool will  always  attract  the  attention  of  the  merchant.     The 
great  antiquity  of  the  buildings  of  London  will  most  deeply 
interest  the  antiquary.     The  objects  of  interest  in  England  are 
spread  over  the  whole  country,  and  not  confined  to  one  city  as 
in   France.     The   churches   of  England,  venerable  with   age; 
the  hills  covered  with  ruined  castles,  the  rail-roads  and  canals, 
the  fortresses  built  hundreds  of  years  ago  for  the  protection  of 
the  coast ;  every  new  scene  has  its  peculiar  attraction,  and  the 
niind   of  the   traveller   is   ever   filled  with   delight.     I  could 
wish  to  ever  live  among  her  classic  lakes,  and  in  the  scenes  of 
rural  loveliness.     Wherever  we  visit  we  are  ever  inspired  with 
new  enjoyment;  and  I  could  wish  to  live  the  life  that  England 
ofi-ers  to  her  favored  residents.     The  hills  of  Middlesex,  the 
rural  scenery,  the  costly  palaces,  must  ever  charm  the  visitor ; 
but  the  chief  ornaments  are  the  villas  of  the  wealthy  citizens 
of  London,  among  whom  the  merchants  are  conspicuous.     As 
the  world  progresses   in  knowledge  and  wealth,  all  learn  the 
folly  of  making  military  adventurers  the  heroes   of  the  world. 
Intellio-ence,  virtue,  and  wealth,  in  this    age,  are   the   objects 
eoucht   for.     In   a   free   country  a  military  despot  will   fand 
no  worshipers.     The  virtues   that   the  intelligent  world  now 
respects  are  here  found  in  all  their  vigor,  and  a  more  delight- 
ful scene  of  quiet  beauty  does  not  exist.     It  may  be  equaled 
in  the  city  of  New-York,  and  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson, 
and  on  Lon-  and  Staten  Islands,  and  in  time  we  may  surpass 
them   in  all  these  places      Around  Philadelphia,  Baltimore 
and  Boston,  are  single  villas  that   cannot  be   surpassed,  but 
Middlesex  is  one  large  city  full  of  taste,  architectural  display, 
and  great  magnificence,  and  no  place  can  surpass  it.     While 
Lonfon  has   been  a   city  of  immense  trade,  for  nearly  one 


128  DESPOTISHT, 

thousand  years,  the  United  States  claim  but  little  more  thaa 
two  hundred  years,  and  our  vessels  exceed  in  number  those  of 
England.  New-York,  by  her  position,  in  the  centre  of  a  sea- 
coast  of  thousands  of  miles,,  and  lying  at  the  only  natural 
outlet  of  our  great  inland  seas,  must  sustain  a  never  ending 
commercial  pre-eminence.  It  must  be  the  largest  city  in  the 
\\orld.  The  commercial  importance,  however  great,  when, 
once  attained,  it  will  ever  retain.  It  cannot  be  expected  that 
the  United  States  will  always  remain  united  and  free  as  at  this 
moment,  but  the  city  under  every  change  will  be  the  only 
natural  outlet  of  the  great  wealth  and  vast  productions  of  the 
whole  continent.  England  is  surrounded  by  natural  enemies. 
Europe  is  densely  populated  with  Catholics,  who  would  re- 
joice to  see  England  annihilated.  She  is  a  small  island  not 
larger  than  some  of  our  states,  and  she  is  crowded  with  a 
population,  one-third  of  whom  are  Catholics,  in  a  state  of 
degradation  of  which  we  in  America  have  no  conception. 
England  incurred  a  debt  of  2000  millions  of  dollars  in  fifteen 
years  war,  with  Napoleon  the  First,  and  who  shall  tell  us  that 
some  succeeding  Napoleon  may  not  be  a  Napoleon  the  Eirst 
in  his  hatred  to  England,  and  involve  her  in  a  hopeless  war  ? 
In  her  struggle  to  maintain  herself  against  the  Catholic  states, 
now  becoming  more  intolerant,  and  her  own  infuriated  Catho- 
lics, she  may  soon  see  herself  again  involved  in  a  war  from 
which  she  may  never  recover.  She  may  not  be  able  to 
pay  her  interest  on  a  debt  now  rapidly  increasing,  and  when 
her  credit  is  once  impaired  she  will  lose  her  navy,  and  then  her 
colonies,  and  her  foreign  trade,  and  her  manufacturing  pre- 
eminence, and  finally  her  national  existence  I  We  sincerely 
hope  that  this  time  will  not  come,  but  still  we  fear  it. 
l.ondon  has  no  advantage  in  location  over  fifty  other  places 
in  Europe,  and  must  some  day  sink  in  obedience  to  the  law.-i 
of  our  Creator,  that  have  decreed  j^outh,  maturity,  and  old 
age,  and  ultimate  decay  to  nations,  with  the   same  unerring 


DESPOTISM.  129 


certainty  that  he  has  to  individuals  and  to  doubtful  institu- 
tions.    Before  the  birth  of  our  Saviour,  Asia  was  the  highway 
to  a  trade  that  built  cities  of  splendor  which   are  now  hardly 
equaled  in  the  new  world.     They  were  the  abodes  of  a  half- 
civilized    people,   whose   vices,    and    crimes,    and    conquests 
brought   destruction,  desolation,  and   ruin  in  their  train,  and 
the  very  names  and  location   of  the  greatest  cities  were  for- 
gotten and  lost.     Homer  with  all  his  genius  could  not  invest 
Troy  with  a  name  to  mark  the  soil  once  trod  by  living  heroes 
or  imaginary  gods.     De  G-ama,  the  Portuguese  navigator,  dis- 
covered a  route  to  India  by  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  hun- 
dreds   of  those    cities  vanished    from  the  face    of  the    earth 
and  were  buried  in  oblivion.     Layard,  and   others,  have  dug 
down  to  Nineveh  and  Babylon,  but  no  power  can   ever  re- 
people  them.     Champallion,  Young,  Sharpe,  Birch,  Salvoline, 
and  Brugsch  have  recently  enabled  us  to  read    a  language 
once    uttered    by  the   lips   of  eloquence.      Hieroglyphics  re- 
corded the  names  of  men  and  of  kings  who  lived  and  died  long 
ere  the  oldest  records  of  Scripture  began.     Short  and  simple 
were  all  the  records  that  stones,  and   columns,  and  temples, 
have   brought   to  us.     The  world   knew  nothmg   and    could 
record  nothing.     The  religion   of  Egypt  rested  on   a  mytho- 
logy too  debased  for  contemplation  ;   and  the  priests  who  wor- 
shipped in  their  Temples  of  Isis  were,  of  all  created  beings, 
the   most  infamous.*     The  efforts  of  the  intellect  were  feeble 
at  first,  and  nearly  six  thousand  years  have  been  lost  to  intel- 
lectual man.     If  there  had  been  no  teachers  but  priests  the 
world  would  now  be  involved  in  Egyptian  darkness  and  horrid 
debasement.      Science   and   learning   have   but  just   opened 
a   page   that   antiquity  could   not   have   written;    and   it   is 

*  Bulwer's  Arbaces,  the  Egyptian  priest  of  Isis,  is  drawn,  in  tlie  Last  Days  of  Pompeii, 
to  the  life,  and  bears  a  near  resemblance  to  the  priests  of  a  religion  yet  tolerated  in  the 
degraded  nations  of  Europe.  We  can  almost  excuse  the  ignorance  and  superstition  of 
the  dark  ages,  when  we  reflect  on  the  vices  of  their  priests  and  leaders. 


130  DESPOTISM. 

80  large  that  six  thousand  years  of  freedom,  progress,  science, 
learning,  genius,  inspiration,  multiplied  indefinitely,  will  not 
enable  us  to  fill. 

The  greatest  earthly  empires  fade  and  crumble.  Westward 
the  empire  of  intellect  is  taking  its  way,  and  will  construct  in- 
stitutions to  flourish  in  freedom,  when  Tyranny  and  Popery 
shall  have  no  existence  but  in  the  pages  of  history.  Some  fu- 
ture benefactors  of  the  world  may  connect  the  Atlantic  and 
the  Pacific  Oceans,  and  give  a  new  direction  to  the  trade  of 
the  world.  The  trade  of  England  with  the  Pacific  is  one 
hundred  and  fifty  millions  of  dollars,  and  that  of  the  United 
States,  twenty  millions  annually ;  these  figures  will  some  day 
be  reversed.  That  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  its  vast  shores,  are 
to  be  the  scenes  of  busy  nations,  surpassed  by  none  in  virtue, 
intelligence,  enterprise  and  wealth,  cannot  be  doubted.  When 
that  time  comes — and  it  certainly  will  come — Europe  with  her 
Popery  and  her  demoralization,  will  recede,  and  America, 
with  five  hundred  millions  of  inhabitants,  will  give  laws,  and 
lead  the  world  in  intelligence,  virtue,  and  every  element  which 
will  make  the  country  glorious. 

liOndon  may  yet  be  a  Nineveh,  and  New  York  must  be  the 
London  of  the  later  world.  Mr.  Macaulay  said  the  history  of 
Popery  would  be  finally  written  on  the  ruined  arch  of  Water- 
loo Bridge  ;  he  meant  it  would  never  be  written. 

To  the  eye  of  the  Deity,  time  is  a  point,  a  nothing  1  Who 
shall  tell  us  that  New  York  will  not  be  a  great  city,  full  of 
virtue  and  intelligence,  when  Waterloo  Bridge,  now  new,  is 
crumbling  to  the  dust — and  Rome,  with  her  errors,  her  intol- 
erance, and  her  persecutions,  shall  exist  only  in  the  pages  of 
the  history  written  on  the  ruined  arch  of  that  Bridge  ? 

Take  an  extended  view,  and  see  how  much  more  glorious 
we  in  America  are  to  be,  than  any  country  which  has  prece- 
ded us.  See  in  imugination  the  dense  nia^^ses  that  are  to  ga- 
ther here.     We  now  have  freedom,  and  its  glorious  rewards ; 


DESPOTISM.  131 

but  is  there  a  reflecting  man  in  existence  who  does  not  know, 
positively  know,  that  society  as  it  now  exists  in  Catholic  Eu- 
rope, with  its  debasing  influences,  would  destroy  the  fair  fab- 
ric of  our  liberties  in  an  hour?  And  yet  we  are  rapidly 
spreading  those  influences,  which,  if  unchecked,  are  deslin- 
ed  to  reduce  our  country  to  a  level,  if  not  below,  the  most 
corrupt  capitals  of  Europe.  If  the  fruits  of  their  corrupt  so- 
ciety are  despotism  and  degradation,  our  country  is  more  sure 
to  be  involved,  for  the  reason  that  v.ith  us,  vice  has  its  full 
share  of  votes,  and  its  representation.  Who  are  now  the  rep- 
resentatives of  our  vices  ?  Are  they  not  invading  the  high- 
est places  ?  Need  they  be  named  ?  Are  they  not  filling  the 
country  with  disgrace  ?  Where  can  honesty  be  found  ?  Are 
not  villany,  and  money,  crowding  justice  from  its  shrine  ?  Is 
not  the  very  heart  of  justice  tainted,  and  are  not  the  streams 
flowing  in  vice,  and  corruption,  to  our  speedy  ruin  ?  The  er- 
mine of  our  judicial  robes  is  sullied  by  contact  with  money, 
and  with  impurity. 

Ignorance  and  vice  are  the  willing  tools  of  demagogues  and 
despotism.  We  can  buy  one  hundred  votes  for  vice,  or  for 
bad  men,  that  cannot  be  bought  for  the  support  of  honest  men 
or  honest  measures.  Our  men  of  immense  wealth  are  soon  to 
lay  it  at  the  feet  of  some  virtuous  or  vicious  aspirants,  and  to 
crumble  in  the  grave,  and  their  spirits  are  to  reap  their  reward. 

Is  there  a  soul  so  mean,  that  while  possessing  wealth,  and 
talents,  and  social  influence,  he  would  do  nothing,  and  sacri- 
fice nothing,  to  fix  on  our  beloved  soil  influences  which  will 
go  on  benefitting  posterity,  and  shedding  on  his  country  a  ne- 
ver ending  glory  ? 

If  we  believe  in  any  future  state,  we  cannot  disbelieve  in 
the  power  of  social  influences,  to  regenerate  and  purify  socie- 
ty, and  the  world.  To  men  with  souls,  the  world  must  look 
for  its  regeneration  and  purification.  If  dogmas  can  do  no- 
thing— and  who  is  not  convinced   from   past   experience   that 


132  DESPOTisns. 

they   cannot  ? — then  to  virtue,  and  to  virtuous   society,   and 
our  leading  men,  we  must  look  for  our  aid. 

Look  over  the  whole  of  our  immense  country  !  "Was  there 
ever  such  a  sight  offered  to  the  contemplation  of  reflecting 
men  ?  Did  the  sun  ever  shine  on  such  a  country  ?  Did  free- 
dom ever  dwell  in  such  a  land  ?  Did  industry  ever  people 
such  fields  of  beauty  ?  Did  thirty  millions  of  souls  ever  enjoy 
the  happiness  here  enjoyed  ? 

For  what  were  such  scenes  o-f  beauty  bestowed  on  us  ?  It 
was  not  for  the  degradation  of  all  who  occupy  our  soil  !  The 
millions  who  are  to  come  after  us,  to  occupy  our  places,  will 
be  good  or  bad,  high  or  low,  happy  or  miserable,  just  in 
proportion  to  the  influences  now  exerted  to  fix  our  institution& 
— our  free  and  elective  governments — our  virtue  and  intelli- 
gence, firmly  on  our  soil. 

Reflecting  men  are,  and  ever  will  be,  in  the  aggregate,  vir- 
tuous men,  and  to  you  we  now  address  ourselves.  We  ask 
you  to  arise  for  a  time,  and  examine  the  claims  which  virtue 
makes  upon  her  votaries.  Can  you  be  indifferent  to  the  in- 
stitutions wnich  you  help  to  fix,  the  character  and  condition 
of  the  millions  that  these  institutions  are  to  mould  ?  To  the 
eye  of  a  reflecting  man,  it  is  not  more  certain  that  these  broad 
fields  of  beauty  exist,  than  it  is  that  they  were  intended  to  be 
the  abodes  of  a  virtuous,  innocent,  and  happy  people.  The 
virtues,  the  innocence,  the  happiness  of  this  country,  will  nev- 
er be  placed  here  by  miracles,  but  they  may  be,  and  we  be- 
lieve they  will  be,  by  the  efforts  of  the  virtuous. 

AYe  earnestly  ask  you  to  persevere,  and  worK  incessantly. 
The  world  is  taking  sides,  and  will  be  with  us,  or  against  us. 
That  the  virtuous  will  be  the  majority,  in  the  end,  is  as  sure 
as  that  the  Deity  lives  to  guide,  to  govern,  and  to  purify  the 
world. 

Time  is  short — eternity  succeeds.  The  world  is  not  a  worm 
tliat  perisheth.     We  either  do  not  exist  as  intellectual  beings, 


DESPOTISM.  133 

or  we  have  witbin  us  a  spark  of  intelligence  that  will  never 
diel  Inspiration  has  ever  pointed  Intellect  to  a  glorious  im- 
mortality. The  groveling  passions  have  ever  pointed  to  this 
world,  as  all  for  which  we  live.  The  finger  of  one  points  to 
Heaven;  the  finger  of  the  other  points  to  earth.  Guided  by 
one,  our  march  is  to  civilization,  to  virtue,  to  happiness,  and 
all  they  can  bestow  on  man.  Guided  by  the  other,  we  shall 
march  to  ignorance,  to  dogmas,  to  degradation,  and  to  death. 
The  light  we  have  has  been  acquired  by  toils,  by  sacrifices,  by 
martyrdom,  and  death.  The  votaries  of  virtue,  of  literature, 
and  of  science,  have  lived,  and  toiled,  and  died,  that  the  light 
of  their  glorious  discoveries  of  truth,  might  beam  on  man. — 
Christianity,  no  longer  shackled  by  ignorance,  shows  us  a 
Deity  who  beckons  us  on,  and  upward  to  him.  The  eye  of  a 
Catholic,  as  he  looks  upward,  sees  a  Holy  Mary— a  mortal 
subject  to  his  own  infirmities,  but  a  God  of  Catholic  creation. 
The  true  Christian,  with  more  than  mortal  ken,  sees,  as  he 
looks  upward,  a  God  from  whom  his  spirit  came,  and  to 
whom  he  is  assured  it  will  return.  All  that  can  add  dignity 
to  life,  is  the  conviction  of  a  life  to  come.  To  limit  life  to  its 
scenes  on  earth,  is  to  level  an  immortal  spirit  to  an  equality 
with  the  brutes  that  perish.  A  struggle  to  elevate  the  condi. 
tion  of  the  people,  is  a  struggle  against  Catholic  dogmas,  and 
against  infidel  vices. 

Inspiration  is  the  voice  of  the  Deity,  speaking  through  men 
to  souls,  who  see  a  Providence  as  clearly,  as  they  see  the  har- 
mony, and  the  beauty,  which  every  where  meet  the  eye  and 
cluster  around  the  heart.  To  men  of  genius  and  of  inspiration 
who  are  now  speaking,  as  men  could  not  speak  in  Catholic 
Europe,  the  world  of  intelligence  is  turning  its  eyes  for  light, 
for  hope,  for  happiness. 

The  clearer  the  conviction  of  life's  higher  mission  becomes 
to  all,  the  more  elevated  and  purified  will  be  the  lives  of  men, 
and  of  nations.     Providence  has  not  given  us  a  sun  to  warm, 


134  DESPOTISM. 

with  more  certainty,  than  he  has  given  us  inspiration  to  hope, 
to  cheer,  and  to  guide  us  upward,  in  civihzation,  and  to  him. 
We  believe  that  the  highest  rewards  of  virtue,  and  the  highest 
civilization,  are  a  life  of  happiness  here,  and  a  sure  extenfiion 
of  that  life,  beyond  the  highest  eminence  that  intellectual  man 
can  here  attain. 

We  believe  in  the  immortality  of  virtue  and  its  institutions, 
and  we  believe  in  the  immortality  which  virtue  bestows  on 
man.  If  this  double  immortality  is  to  be  the  reward  of  the 
virtuous,  sweet  will  be  the  remembrance  of  our  efforts  in  vir- 
tue's cause,  said  John  Q.  Adams. 

As  Mr.  Adams  turned  from  his  place,  he  discovered  that 
half  the  company  bad  been  listening  to  his  impromptu  speech. 


DESPOTISM.  135 


CHAPTEE    V. 


THE    CHAPLETS. 

The  friends  of  Reason,  and  the  guides  of  Youth, 
Whose  language  breathed  the  eloquence  of  Truth  ; 
Whose  life,  beyond  preceptive  wisdom,  taught 
The  great  in  conduct,  and  the  pure  in  thought  ; 
These  still  exist,  by  Thee  to  Fame  consigned, 
Still  Bpeak  and  act,  the  models  of  mankind. 


BoGEIiS 


At  Mr.  Rogers'  levee  were  assembled  between  three  and 
four  hundred  persons. 

Among  the  distinguished  guests  were  Lord  Byron,  Lord 
Ashburton,  Dulie  of  Norfolk,  Eugenia,  all  the  Foreign  Minis- 
ters, Mrs.  Barbauld,  Duke  of  St.  Alban's,  Miss  Mitford,  Man- 
agers Coleman  and  Price,  Mr.  Pinckney  from  the  United 
States,  Mr.  Bates  and  lady,  Mr.  Wiggin,  Mr.  Peabody, 
Bishop  Heber,  G.  Canning,  E.  Burke,  W.  Pitt,  Fox,  Generd 
McDonald,  Mr.  Izard  from  the  United  States,  Lord  Liver- 
pool, Mrs.  Hemans,  Messrs.  Coutts,  Senior  and  Junior,  John 
Q.  Adams,  Mr.  Carter,  the  New  York  editor,  Baron  Eoths- 
chiln,  Col.  Stone  from  New  Fork,  Mr,  Lamdon,  J\[r.  Boot, 
Mr.  Lawrence,  Mr.  Perkins,  Beckford,  the  richest  commoner 
in  England,  and  his  son-inlaw  Earl  of  Hamilton. 


136  DESPOTISM. 

Mr.  Wiggin  introduced  JNIr.  and  INIrs.  Bates  to  the  compa- 
ny. The  conversation  turned  npon  the  failure  of  Mr.  Wil- 
liams, and  the  immense  operations  of  his  house,  and  of  the 
house  of  Overard  &  Co,  of  Paris,  the  new  loan,  etc. 

Miss  Mitford,  a  friend  of  mine  has  this  day  informed  me 
that  Mr.  Coleman  has  had  siich  full  houses,  that  he  could 
not  sell  tickets  to  all  who  applied  for  them.  Miss  Kemble,  he 
says,  is  more  successful  than  any  debutante  who  has  appeared 
for  years,  on  the  London  stage.  Were  all  the  Kemble  child- 
ren to  be  here  to-night,  to  receive  the  chaplets  that  are  to  be 
presented  to  them  ?  asked  Mr.  Coutts. 

They  were  to  be  here,  and  no  doubt  will  be  in  season. 
Eugenia  has  consulted  her  friends,  and  they  all  approve  of  the 
presentation  of  the  chaplets,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Mr.  Rogers,  did  Mr.  Williams  have  a  large  American  cor- 
respondence ?  asked  Mr.  Coutts. 

I  have  been  informed  that  he  had,  but  Mr.  Wiggin  is 
acquainted  with  the  American  merchants,  and  can  give  you 
more  information  than  I  can.  Mr.  Wiggin  acquired  an  im- 
mense fortune  in  Boston,  under  the  firm  of  B.  &  T.  Wiggin, 
and  his  banking  house  is  now  one  of  the  most  respectable  in 
London.  lie  visits  Boston  often,  and  may  be  regarded  as  a 
resident  of  Boston,  with  as  much  propriety  as  of  London,  said 
'Mr.  Rogers. 

Mr.  Coutts  turned  from  Mr.  Rogers  and  joined  Mr.  Wiggin. 

Mr.  Wiggin,  are  you  acquainted  with  the  American  mer- 
chants now  engaged  in  the  London  trade?  asked  Mr.  Coutts, 

I  am  acquainted  with  Mr.  Gray,  Boot  &  Son,  Upham  & 
Faulkner,  IhWs  &  Co.,  Dwight  &  Co.,  Brewer,  T.  K.  Jones  & 
Co.,  Minchin  &  Welsh,  Waterson  &  Bray,  Blackstock,  Gas- 
sett  &  Upham,  Tappan  &  Mansfield,  John  Tappan,  Edwards 
&  Stoddard,  Tuckerman,  Rogers  &  dishing,  A.  &  A.  Law- 
rence, Dorr,  Shaw,  Sturges,  Nichols,  Barnes  &  Rodes,  Lane 
&  Lawson,  Appleton,  Denny,  Searle,  and  in  New-York   with 


DESPOTISM.  137 

Leroy  Bayard  &  Co.,  Preserved  Fish,  Palmer  &  Co ,  P.  &  J, 
Stone,  P.  Remsen,  Haggerty  &  Austin,  Astor,  Mills  &  Co., 
Schermerhorn,  Benson,  Cheseboro,  Ehinelander,  Douglass, 
Lorillard,  Rutgers,  Shotwell  Fox  &  Co  ,  Gouverneur,  Stuy- 
vesant,  Vanderpool,  Prime,  "Ward  &  I^'Dg.  Darke,  Barclay, 
Buchanan,  Eosevelt,  Milledoler,  Allen,  Morris,  Bei;krnan, 
Piatt,  Chancy,  Bartlett,  Alsop,  Lawrence,  Franklin,  San  ford, 
Dennison,  Adams,  Van  Courtland,  Lee,  Van  Allen,  Piatt, 
Phelps,  said  Mr.  Wiggin. 

Do  any  of  these  houses  lose  by  Mr.  Williams,  asked  Mr. 
Coutts. 

They  may,  small  sums;  but  the  Yankee  merchants  are 
very  shrewd ;  the  greater  part  of  them,  no  doubt  owe  hini. 
While  England  is  fighting,  the  Americans  are  making  for- 
tunes. Vessels  cannot  now  be  bought  in  America,  and  every 
ship  yard  is  full  of  ships  of  the  largest  class.  Freights  have 
advanced  fifty  per  cent.,  and  such  a  condition  of  prosperity 
was  never  known  in  any  country ;  the  Americans  have  the 
carrying  trade  of  all  the  world.  The  great  New- York  Canal 
may  yet  be  constructed,  and  a  tide  of  wealth  will  flow  into  the 
city,  of  which,  in  this  country,  we  can  form  no  conception. 
This  canal,  when  constructed,  will  be  the  largest  in  the  world, 
and  the  most  valuable  that  ever  can  be  made.  The  im- 
mense lakes  of  America  may  be  regarded  as  inland  seas,  and 
the  largest  lies  near  the  centre  of  the  continent,  and  half  way 
to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  said  Mr.  Wiggin. 

What  has  been  done  by  your  government  for  those  men 
who  applied  steam  to  boats,  and  for  the  men  who  first  agitated 
the  public  mind  and  prepared  it  for  the  great  idea  of  con- 
structing a  canal  to  connect  the  immense  lakes  with  the  ocean  ? 
asked  Mr.  Coutts. 

Nothing  has  been  done,  and  nothing  will  be  done,  said 
Mr.  Wiggin. 

The  British  Government  gave  Watt  a  monopoly  of  steam- 


138  DESPOTISM. 

engines,  by  which  he  acquired  a  fortune  of  half  a  million,  but 
America  should  bestow  twice  that  sum  on  those  men,  who 
have  done  so  much  to  increase  your  wealth  and  greatness. 
England  has  had  steam-engines  for  one  hundred  years,  but 
they  were  never  able  to  propel  a  boat  of  the  smallest  size. 
We  have  had  men  whose  dust  now  rests  under  splendid 
mausoleums,  but  none  of  them  ever  performed  for  England 
the  eminent  services  that  these  men  have  conferred  on  your 
country.  AVe  now  have  wooden  rail-roads  at  Newcastle,  on 
which  we  transport  coal ;  if  you  Americans  should  adapt 
steam-engines  to  rail-roads  with  iron  rails,  and  connect  the 
Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans,  you  will  have  all  the  trade  with 
the  Pacific,  and  ours  alone  now  amounts  to  nearly  thirty  mil- 
lions of  pounds. 

I  am  told  that  an  estimate  has  recently  been  made  of  the 
probable  population  of  the  United  States  in  the  next  century, 
and  found  that  according  to  its  present  increase,  they  will  have 
two  hundred  millions,  and  the  city  of  New  York  five  millions  ! 
Can  such  an  estimate  be  correct?     England  will  bear  no  com- 
parison with  her  ;  we  shall  sink  into  insignificance  by  her  side. 
How  vastly  important  that  such  a  country  should  give  a  right 
direction  to  her   institutions  !     I  do  hope  they  will  have  no 
Catholics  to  ruin  the  country.     All  the  earnings  of  those  ig- 
norant men    are  demanded   by  their   priests.     The   Pope  ot 
Rome  drew  from  England  one  million   of  pounds   every  year 
for  hundreds    of  years,  and  the  Catholic  wars  have  cost  her 
half  as  much  more.     These  Catholics  are   increasing,  and   be- 
coming   daily  more   intolerant ;    not  a  single  Protestant  can 
now  worship  in  Catholic  Europe  without  subjecting  himself  to 
imprisonment  in  the  inquisition.     All   the  races   have   in   turn 
been  their  victims.     The  Jews,  for  one  thousand  years,  have 
been  robbed  and  murdered   by  Catholics  with  as  little  com- 
punction as  a  highwayman   feels  for  his  victim.     The  Catholic 
authority  for  these  robberies  were  their  own  invented  dogmas. 


DESPOTISM.  139 

They  were  the  same  inventions  that  have  led  Catholics  to  fight 
and  destroy  tbe  Protestants^  and  all  others  who  opposed  their 
tyrannical  hierarchy.  No  intelligent  person  can  contemplate 
the  destiny  of  the  United  States  without  a  strong  desire  that 
they  may  exclude  Catholics  from  their  soil.  Just  as  sure  as 
she  admits  them,  she  will  have  to  fight  over  the  same  battles 
that  deluged  England  with  Protestant  blood.  The  Catholic 
countries  of  Europe  are  crowded  with  a  mass  of  animal  life, 
too  low  for  elevation  and  too  debased  for  the  safety  of 
Europe.  If  the  Catholics  once  get  their  priests  fixed  on  the 
soil,  all  free  institutions  will  soon  be  trodden  out.  A  free 
country  never  did  exist,  and  never  can  exist,  where  they  have 
political  power.  Why  are  they  admitted  under  any  law,  your 
population  is  increasing  fast  enough  without  them  ?  The 
Pope  and  Napoleon  are  now  trying  to  involve  America  in 
war.  Napoleon  has  just  issued  his  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees, 
by  which  he  has  ordered  his  armed  vessels  to  take  every 
American  vessel  on  the  ocean,  and  under  it  they  will  rob  her 
of  100  millions  of  dollars  and  leave  her  in  ruinous  war.  Na- 
poleon is  a  Catholic,  but  has  confined  the  Pope  of  Rome  in  a 
cell  in  France,  and  through  him  controls  the  Catholic  influence 
of  all  Europe,  and  receives  the  revenue  of  Papal  Rome, 
amounting  to  400  millions  every  year,  said  Mr.  Coutts,  as  Mr. 
Wiggin  joined  his  friends. 

Mr.  Coleman,  did  you  ever  know  any  young  aspirants  to 
make  a  better  appearance  than  the  Kembles  ?  asked  Mrs, 
Barbauld. 

I  never  did.  I  have  come  to-night  to  see  the  chaplets  pre- 
sented— no  testimonial  could  be  more  appropriate,  and  no 
persons  can  be  more  entitled  to  such  notice;  I  think  it  should 
be  something  valuable,  said  Mr.  Coleman. 

Is  Vic  properly  esteemed  by  your  audience  ?  asked  the 
Duke  of  St.  Albans. 

She  certainly  is — the  house  has  been  full   every   night — I 


140  DESPOTISM. 

never  saw  greater  enthusiasm  manifested.  AVhen  I  have 
Mr.  Kogers'  new  play,  the  theatre  will  not  accommodate  the 
audience,  and  I  contemplate  doubling  the  price  of  my  tickets; 
the  young  nobility  of  all  England  are  now  in  London,  and 
nightly  throng  the  house,  said  Mr.  Coleman. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  will  you  walk  to  the  hall — the  chap- 
lets  are  now  to  be  presented,  said  Mrs.  Rogers. 

Mrs.  Rogers,  these  are  the  chaplets  with  which  I  am  to 
crown  Vic,  and  John,  and  Charles ;  I  have  bestowed  upon 
them  all  my  skill,  but  I  do  wish  they  were  more  beautiful  ; — 
Vic  is  a  lovely  girl,  and  I  am  not  satisfied  with  my  own  efforts, 
said  Eugenia. 

They  are  beautiful,  and  I  am  sure  all  will  say  they  are  ;  but 
I  agree  with  you,  Vic  should  have  all  that  taste  can  display, 
and  all  that  affection  can  entwine  in  these  garlands,  said  Mrs. 
Rogers. 

Mrs.  Rogers,  will  you  expect  me  to  make  a  speech  ?  asked 
Eugenia. 

Certainly,  was  responded  by  a  number  of  voices. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  Eugenia  is  now  to  present  the  chap- 
lets  to  our  young  friends.  Will  you  please  to  march  around 
the  room  till  she  is  in  front  of  Vic  ?  asked  Mrs.  Rogers. 

The  columns  marched  to  music,  and  the  scene  was  magnifi- 
cent— it  was  dazzling.  The  gay  dresses,  the  happy  faces,  the 
enthusiasm,  the  display  of  beauty,  the  garlands,  the  young 
actors — every  thing  conspired  to  add  interest  to  the  presenta- 
tion. On  what  scene  can  the  eye  rest,  or  can  the  imagination 
picture,  of  deeper  interest,  of  higher  hopes,  or  of  purer  en- 
joyment ?  No  description  can  portray  such  scenes — they 
must  be  seen  to  be  appreciated. 

In  the  following  manner,  Eugenia  addressed  the 
children.  You  are  stepping  from  the  sanctuary  of  home 
to  assume  in  new  scenes,  the  duties  and  the  responsibilities  of 
a  public  life.     Our  hearts  will  not  allow  us  to  look  upon  you 


DESPOTISM.  141 

with  indifference.  We  are  your  ardent  admirers,  and  sincere 
friends.  You  are  destined,  we  fondly  believe,  to  place  your 
names  among  tlie  most  exalted  of  our  countrymen.  Called  so 
early  from  private  life,  you  will  need  energy  to  pursue  your 
profession,  virtue  to  oppose  temptation,  and  humility  to  pro- 
tect you  from  the  danger  of  adulation.  These  chaplets  which 
we  now  bestow,  are  the  emblems  of  our  love.  Hold  them  ever 
in  your  view  ;  remember  that  wherever  you  are,  our  kind 
regard,  our  fond  sympathy,  our  earnest  prayers,  shall  always 
be  for  your  success,  and  for  your  happiness. 

We  admire  j^our  talents,  and  we  know  that  you  will  culti- 
vate them.  Directed  aright,  they  will  place  your  names 
among  our  country's  benefactors. 

The  influence  of  your  position  must  always  be  exerted  for 
the  cause  of  virtue.  As  your  personal  friends,  we  know  how 
to  estimate  your  private  virtues.  Never  forget,  that  virtue  is 
the  basis  on  which  character  ever  builds  her  loftiest  super- 
structures. Place  your  aspirations  high,  and  your  aim  will 
be  sure.  Let  no  ordinary  attainments  satisfy  you.  Exalted 
intellects  must  build  for  you  proud  temples,  which  the  less 
ambitious  cannot  reach. 

The  charms  of  literature,  the  love  of  science,  the  gift  of 
genius,  are  your  heritage.  To  look  through  life,  to  cull  with 
liberal  hand  the  pure  joys  of  life's  pleasant  journey— to  inhale 
the  fragrance  from  every  garden's  pure  influences,  are  your 
rewards. 

In  life's  great  drama,  each  plays  a  sad  or  merry  part ;— we 
bow,  recite,  and  at  our  exit,  other  actors  fill  our  place.  The 
world's  plaudits  are  well  earned,  when  the  last  act  in  virtue 
ended,  shall  relieve  us  from  its  toils.  Enshrine  virtue  and 
truth  on  the  altar  of  your  hearts — touched  by  celestial  fire, 
may  they  illume  your  way  through  the  mists  of  this  bewilder- 
ing life.     Sail  with  caution  on  the  stream  of  time,  and  a  propi- 


1 42  DESPOTISM. 

tious  Heaven  will  endow  you  with  sufficient  confidence  to  nav- 
igate the  vast  ocean  of  eternity. 

Miss  Kenible  looked  up  to  Eugenia,  but  could  not  com- 
mand her  voice.  Her  friends  were  deeply  aftected,  but  slie 
soon  recovered. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  I  thank  you.  I  thank  you  for  this 
new  evidence  of  your  regard.  Without  the  affectionate  care 
of  our  liberal  friends,  we  could  not  have  appeared  on  any 
dramatic  stage.  To  you  all,  we  owe  a  debt  of  deepest  arati- 
tude.  To  one  of  you,  I  am  indebted  fur  all  that  a  child  can 
receive  from  a  parent.  I  was  left  in  early  life  an  orphan  ! — 
You  will  excuse  me,  but  my  feelings  are  oppressed  !  I  liad 
no  relatives  !  I  had  no  friends  !  What  might  have  been  my 
perilous  condition  ? 

Frail,  unprotected  childhood  !  The  thought  appalls  me  ! 
Have  I  escaped  ?  What  tales  of  suffering  might  my  life  have 
revealed  !  From  these,  an  angel  form  has  saved  me  !  May 
Heaven  smile  on  her.  May  her  wealth  flow  in  like  a  gentle 
stream.  May  her  life  be  sweetened  with  every  enjoyment  1^ 
If  misfortune  should  assail  her,  may  she  here  find  a  heart  as 
warm  as  that  on  which  I  have  so  oft  reposed. 

For  my  brothers,  I  thank  you.  Your  kind  sympathy  will 
cheer  them  on  in  their  labors.  Their  profession  is  an  arduous 
one — but  their  reward,  if  they  persevere,  will  be  rich  indeed  ! 

While  we  have  a  heart,  our  friends  shall  be  enshrined  here. 
While  sensibility  exists,  we  will  ever  acknowledge  our  obliga- 
tions. While  memory  holds  its  place,  your  kindness  cannot 
be  forgotten.  May  Heaven's  choicest  blessings  full  like  gen- 
tle dews  upon  you.  May  the  golden  chain  which  binds  heart 
to  heart,  forever  bind  yours  to  their  purest  joys.  These  chap- 
lets  that  have  been  placed  upon  our  brows  by  the  hands  of  her 
we  love,  shall  ever  direct  our  thoughts  to  you. 

^lay  lives  so  dear  to  us,  flow  on  in  happiness,  to  have  no 
end  I 


DESPOTISM.  143 

Miss  KemWe's  friends  crowdeJ  around  her,  and  the  con- 
gratulations were  sincere  and  heartfelt.  The  boys  were  con- 
gratulated by  all  their  friends. 

To  Mr.  Cooke,  who  had  participated  so  deeply  in  all  tliat 
concerned  the  boys,  the  moment  was  the  happiest  of  his  life. 

Here  are  three  young  persons,  stepping  forth  upon  a  new 
scene,  full  of  hope  and  confidence  ;  but  they  are  destined  to 
travel  in  paths  where  hundreds  have  fallen  by  the  way.  AYhat 
shall  be  their  destiny?  Tlie  book  of  Fate  shall  unfold  it  to 
us.  No  parents  will  guide  them — they  have  no  experience  to 
direct  tliem,  and  in  their  path  lies  concealed  many  a  snare, 
Portunate  indeed  will  it  be  fur  them,  if,  years  hence,  they  re- 
tain their  claim  to  the  affections  of  their  numerous  friends. 
A  brilliant  reward  or  disgraceful  defeat  awaits  them.  Elated 
by  excessive  adulation,  or  visited  by  the  scorpion  lash  of  igno- 
miny, who  can  follow  them  with  an  eye  of  indiU'erence  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Barbauld. 

Many  of  the  ladies  were  deeply  affected  with  the  scene  be- 
fore them. 

Do  you  think  the  parents  of  these  children  are  permitted  to 
look  down  on  this  scene  ?  asked  Mr.  Hemans. 

Undoubtedly  they  are.  The  mind  knows  no  annihilation — 
it  will  return  whence  it  came.  This  doctrine  is  not  only  intel- 
ligible, but  it  is  the  only  one  that  can  have  an  iufiuence  on  the 
character  and  the  life  of  individuals.  The  Catholics  regard 
Holy  Mary  as  the  author  of  their  being  and  the  framer  of 
their  minds ; — and  like  Mahometanism,  their  creed  will  ever 
chain  the  intellect  to  its  own  debasing  character.  In  our  en- 
lightened age,  the  intellect  must  lead,  and  religion,  or  a  con- 
sistent faith,  must  rest  on  it,  or  it  can  have  no  basis,  and  can 
effect  no  change  in  human  character — cannot  elevate  societ}^, 
or  advance  civilization.  A  faith  that  was  formed  when  igno- 
rance sat  like  a  dark  pall  upon  the  world,  must  flee  when  the 
light  of  intellectual  truth  and  universal  knowledge  pervades 


144  DESPOTISM. 

and  guides  all  but  the  degraded  Catholic  people,  said  Bishop 
Heber. 

Do  you  believe  that  religion  can  be  made  clear  enough  for 
the  benefit  of  all  mankind  without  the  aid  of  Catholic  dogmas, 
such  as  Holy  Mary,  Holy  St.  Nicholas,  St.  Augustine,  St. 
Patrick,  and  one  hundred  other  old  saints — the  doctrine  that 
the  sacrament  is  the  real  blood  and  body  of  our  Savior — the 
doctrine  of  purgatory,  or  half-way  house  to  Heaven,  where  all 
arrive,  if  the  priests  are  well  paid — the  doctrine  of  original  sin 
and  total  depravity — and  finally,  a  place  where  brimstone  will 
destroy  all  but  Catholics  ?  asked  Mrs.  Hemans. 

Those  are  all  Catholic  inventions,  and  they  know  it.  There 
is  not  one  of  them  taught  in  the  Bible,  said  Bishop  Heber. 

One  of  the  most  pernicious  doctrines  requires  single  and 
married  ladies  to  confess  to  unmarried  priests!  One  no  less 
injurious  to  society  is  the  doctrine  that  the  Pope  is  the  only 
inheritor  of  our  Savior's  power,  and  an  infallible  interpreter  of 
his  will — under  w^hich  it  is  estimated  fifty  millions  of  Cliristians 
have  lost  their  lives.  Does  any  man  of  sound  mind  and  com- 
mon sense  believe  them?  Are  they  not  impediments  to  true 
faith,  by  the  odium  and  ridicule  they  throw  over  sacred  sub- 
jects ?  asked  Mrs.  Hemans. 

Sensible  men  regard  all  of  these  as  the  mummery  of  the 
priests,  and  as  sill}^  as  their  lives  are  odious,  said  Bishop  Heber. 

"Why  did  the  intellectual  portion  of  the  world  ever  subscribe 
to  such  abominable  doctrines  ?  asked  Mrs  Hemans. 

They  never  did.  These  dogmas  were  the  inventions  of  de- 
signing Popes,  in  the  dark  ages,  w^hen  there  was  no  intelli- 
gence, or  learning,  or  learned  men  in  the  woi-ld.  They  are 
fables,  traditions,  and  pure  inventions ;  and  every  intelligent 
and  educated  Catholic  knows  and  acknowledges  it;  they  are 
the  dogmas  of  priests,  and  no  other  persons  believe  or  respect 
them.  The  Popes  aimed  at  power,  and  succeeded  in  obtain- 
ing it ;  and  for  fifteen  hundred  years  reigned  over  the  whole 


DESPOTISM.  Ii5 

work!  with  a  rod  of  iron.  These  inventions  were  the  cause  of 
all  the  bloody  wars  that  have  carried  off  millions  of  the  human 
family.*  The  ignorant  were  led  on  to  butcher  and  to  be  but- 
chered, they  knew  not  for  what.  The  priests  knew,  but  pure 
religion  had  nothing  to  do  with  it,  and  was  not  accountable 
for  it.  It  is  possible  to  fill  the  mind  of  young  persons  with 
such  intolerant  notions,  as  will  keep  the  world  in  a  war  of  ex- 
termination, and  the  Catholic  priests  will  do  this  if  they  can ; 
but  who  is  so  ignorant  as  to  regard  this  intolerance  as  the 
evidence  of  religion  ?  asked  the  Bishop. 

Should  not  a  class  of  men  who  teach  such  absurd  and  such 
destructive  doctrines,  be  regarded  as  dangerous  citizens  in 
auy  country  ?  asked  Mrs.  Heinans. 

They  certainly  should.  The  intelligent  and  educated  classes 
who  are  now  leading  the  world,  despise  equally  the  doctrine 
and  the  priests;  but  the  ignorant  will  ever  be  led  by  priests, 
and  can  never  be  moulded  into  tolerant  citizens.  Every  freo 
country  should  exclude  Catholics,  by  rigid  laws,  from   a  resi- 

*  Our  best  historians  estimate  the  loss  of  human  life  by  Catholic  persec'tions  at  fifty 
millions  !  Jlr.  Brady  stated,  at  an  8th  of  January  dinner,  that  his  ancestors  were  from 
the  bogs  of  Ireland  ;— and  he  thought  the  religion  taught  by  the  mother  to  her  children 
on  her  knee,  .should  be  in  moments  of  great  peril,  and  in  the  closing  scenes  of  life,  thu 
consolation  of  alU  He  is  right.  Now,  what  would  be  the  treatment  of  .Seward,  Presi- 
dent I'ierce,  Jlr.  Cass,  and  Mr.  Greeley,  if  they  should  worship  in  Rome,  agreeably  to  tlie 
religion  that  they  received  on  their  pious  mothers'  knees,  not  in  the  bogs  of  Ireland,  but 
in  the  great  and  free  country  of  the  United  States  ?  Every  one  of  them  would  be  used  as 
the  XIadiai  family  was,  confined  in  a  cell,  and  in  peril  of  their  lives  !  Tlie  American  min- 
ister saved  the  lives  of  those  whose  only  crime  was  worshiping  as  their  pious  mothers  had 
taught  them  1  Would  this  country  interfere  to  save  the  lives  of  Pierce,  Seward,  Cass  and 
Greeley,  or  w^ould  they  surrender  them  to  their  fri'jnds,  to  be  burnt,  with  the  resignation 
of  Christians  ?  The  Americans  have  no  objections  to  Brady's  dying  any  time  he  please*-, 
and  in  the  faitli  that  came  from  the  bogs  of  Ireland  ;  but  they  object  to  being  burnt  by 
the  priests  of  that  religion,  as  they  would  be  if  the  priests  had  the  power.  A  priest  iu 
the  bogs  of  Ireland  was  recently  tried  for  burning  Protestant  Bibles.  Vi'e  should  like  to 
be  informed  if  it  was  the  same  priest  at  whose  altar  old  Mrs.  Brady  imbibed  all  the  fam- 
ily piety  that  has  descended  in  refreshing  sliowers  on  the  eminently  pious  Mr.  Brady  ? 
Hughes  came  from  the  bogs  of  Ireland,  and  is  no  doubt  a  near  relative  of  thejiinus  prie^t 
who  burns  Bibles,  or  men,  and  will,  no  doubt,  import  the  priest,  and  make  him  one  of 
tbe  dpzen  new  Bishops  of  New  York  I 


146  DESPOTISM. 

dence  on  its  soil,  said  Bishop  Heber,  as  he  turned  from  Mrs. 
Hemans. 

Mr.  Mitford,  what  will  Samuel  Williams's  estate  pay  ?  asked 
the  younger  Mr.  Coutts. 

I  do  not  know,  but  I  should  like  to  sell  my  claim,  which  is 
large,  at  five  shillings  on  the  pound.  Mr.  Coutts,  I  hear  that 
you  have  made  an  immense  sum  by  one  or  two  of  your  opera- 
tions, said  Mr.  Mitford. 

If  I  have,  it  is  not  one-fourth  as  much  as  you  and  Mr.  Over- 
ard  have  made  in  Paris,  said  Mr.  Coutts. 

"We  may  make  a  few  millions  in  the  India  Company,  said 
Mr.  Mitford. 

Do  you  intend  to  sell  out  and  close  your  connection  with 
that  splendid  bubble  ?  asked  Mr.  Coutts. 

I  have  advised  Mr.  Overard  to  sell  out  the  last  share  of  his 
stock,  and  invest  the  proceeds  in  specie,  and  to  come  imme- 
diately to  London.  In  writing  him  I  stated  that  you  were 
pursuing  this  course,  and  that  the  London  bankers  believed  a 
crisis  was  approaching  that  would  astonish,  if  it  did  not  ruin 
the  country  !  Was  I  correct  in  thus  writing  him  ?  asked  Mr. 
Mitford. 

You  certainly  were.  When  I  see  every  article  rising  in 
value  from  one  pound  to  three,  four,  five  and  six  pounds,  I 
know  a  crash  is  approaching.  I  have  sold  all  my  stock  and 
securities,  and  will  not  invest  one  pound,  for  the  present,  in 
anything  but  specie.  Your  partner  is  certainly  an  extraordi- 
nary man.  A  candid  historian,  who  records  the  events  of  this 
age,  must  have  a  high  character  for  truth,  or  he  will  not  be 
believed.  Does  Mr.  Overard  have  the  confidence  of  the  com- 
mercial community  ?  Did  he  not  connect  himself  with  some 
men  who  were  regarded  with  suspicion  ?  asked  Mr.  Coutts. 

Mr.  Overard  moved  in  the  highest  circles,  but  some  of  his 
associates  were  not  the  most  virtuous.  Among  them  was  a 
Mr.  Wilson,  with  whom  a  difierence  arose  respecting  a  lady. 


DESPOTISM.  147 

Mr.  Overard  made  some  remarks  which  gave  offence  to  Mr, 
Wilson,  by  whom  he  was  immediately  challenged.  Mr.  Over- 
ard killed  Mr.  Wilson  with  the  first  thrust  of  his  sword,  and 
was  imprisoned  in  England,  whence  he  escaped  after  a  long 
confinement,  and  by  paying  a  large  sum  for  a  conditional  par- 
don. The  India  Company  is  a  corporation  unlike  any  other 
ever  set  in  motion.  It  is  not  easy  to  conceive  of  such  an  insti- 
tution ;  and  its  details  and  its  consequences  will  equally  aston- 
ish the  present  age,  and  all  who  may  be  disposed  to  investi- 
gate its  magnificent  schemes.  It  has  raised  the  French  nation 
from  bankruptcy  to  independence,  from  poverty  to  boundlesr^s 
wealth.  The  government  is  not  only  rich,  but  every  individ- 
ual also,  who  had  the  good  sense  to  invest  money  in  its  stock, 
said  Mr.  Mitford. 

Do  you  think  Mr.  Overard  will  obey  your  directions,  and 
sell  out,  and  return  to  London  ?  asked  Mr.  Coutts. 

I  have  my  fears,  said  Mr.  Mitford. 

Allow  me  the  privilege  of  an  old  friend.  Within  one  year 
from  this  time,  that  entire  fabric,  the  India  Company,  and 
every  thing  connected  with  it,  will  be  blown  away,  and  not  a 
vestige  of  it  will  be  found  !  It  will  involve  you,  Mr.  Overard, 
the  French  nation,  the  French  people,  and  all  who  hold  the 
stock,  in  one  common  ruin  !  The  price  of  a  pound  of  sugar 
has  advanced  to  five  or  six  times  its  value,  and  every  other  ar- 
ticle in  the  same  ratio ;  and  every  man  of  sense  must  see  that 
a  reaction  is  near.  The  Company  has  issued  stock  to  the  ex- 
tent of  nearly  one  million  of  shares,  valued  at  five  thousand 
livres  each,  and  will  never  pay  one  pound  on  a  share  !  Now 
what  must  be  the  condition  of  France,  and  all  the  creditors, 
w'ho  not  only  hold  the  shares,  but  the  notes  of  the  bank  to  the 
extent  of  untold  millions  ?  It  is  enough  to  frighten  any  finan- 
cier. They  cannot  tell  where  ruin  will  end,  when  once  com- 
menced. The  India  Company  have  put  out  their  notes  till  the 
Director- General  has  no  means  of  knowins:  the  amount  of  the 


148  DESPOTISM. 

paper  that  they  have  issued !  And  when  the  bank  fails — and 
it  certainly  will  fail — it  will  produce  universal  bankruptcy,  in- 
volving, directly  or  indirectly,  all  France,  and  many  persons 
in  England.*  Within  one  year,  specie  will  be  worth  twenty- 
five  per  cent,  above  the  Bank  of  England  notes  and  the  Gov- 
ernment bonds,  and  no  business  paper  will  find  a  purchaser  ! 
I  will  not  hold  one  pound  of  your  paper,  if  it  is  oflered  to  me, 
even  if  it  should  have  a  dozen  endorsers.  If  Mr.  Overard 
will  not  sell  the  company  stock,  ask  him  to  purchase  yours. 
The  Barings,  the  Rothschilds,  Brown,  Brothers  &  Co.,  and 
Kogers,  are  all  immensely  rich,  and  they  will  be  powerful 
competitors  of  your  house  and  mine.  Mr.  Bates,  of  Boston, 
a  merchant  of  unusual  claim  to  talent,  has  recently  joined  the 
Barings,  and  will  bring  with  hira  a  large  share  of  American 
business.  The  Barings,  Brown  &  Brothers,  Peabody,  and 
Wiggin  &  Holford,  will  have  the  American  business.  The 
Eothschilds,  father  and  son,  have  acquired  a  larger  fortune 
than  was  ever  held  by  any  banking  house,  amounting,  it  is 
supposed,  to  one  hundred  millions ;  and  they  do  not  feel  a 
very  powerful  sympathy  with  your  house  or  with  mine.  Mr. 
Rogers  does  not  claim  American  business,  but  his  house  is  as 
solid  as  Rothschilds'  or  the  Bank  of  England,  said  Mr.  Coutts, 
as  he  withdrew. 

Does  Miss  Kemble  attract  as  full  houses  as  at  first  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Rogers. 

The  excitement  increases  every  night,  and  the  house  is  not 
large  enough  to  accommodate  the  audience.  The  last  night, 
garlands  were  thrown  upon  the  stage  in  great  quantities, 
which,  you  know,  is  a  very  unusual  occurrence.  She  has  a 
great  many  admirers  off"  the  stage,  as  well  as  on  it,  said  Mrs. 
Opie. 

*  For  a  history  of  the  India  Company,  read  Mackay's  Popular  Delusions 


DESPOTISM.  149 

Does  Mr.  Coleman  allow  a  general  introduction  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Rogers. 

They  say  he  does  not — but  you  know  that  distinguished 
patrons  of  the  theatre  have  always  been  indulged  in  certain 
privileges,  of  calling  at  the  theatre  in  the  morning,  and  con- 
versing in  the  green-room  with  all  the  stars — and  Mr.  Coleman 
cannot  prevent  it,  said  Mrs.  Opie. 

I  must  inform  Mr.  Rogers  of  this  instantly  !  This  must 
not,  on  any  condition,  be  permitted.  I  shall  see  that  Mr.  Ro- 
gers goes  immediately  to  Mr.  Coleman  !  While  Vic  visits 
my  house,  she  shall  hold  no  conversation  with  any  person  at 
the  theatre.  This  is  one  of  the  evils  of  the  life  of  an  actress  ! 
Nothing  is  so  contaminating,  said  Mrs.  Rogers,  as  she  turned 
from  Mrs.  Opie. 

Have  you  heard  the  news  from  France  ?  asked  Baron 
Rothschild. 

What  is  it  ?  asked  Mr.  Pinckney. 

Napoleon  has  taken  three  more  capitals,  and  it  is  thought 
all  Europe  will  soon  yield  to  him,  and  be  incorporated  in  one 
great  French  Empire  !  In  all  the  cities  which  he  has  taken, 
he  has  put  one-fourth  of  the  inhabitants  to  the  sword,  and 
says  he  will  destroy  them  all,  if  they  make  any  objection  to 
being  robbed  1  He  has  carried  off  every  article  that  is  worth 
removing  to  Paris.  In  Paris,  the  Napoleon  clubs  have  erected 
another  guillotine  in  the  largest  square  of  the  city,  and  it  is  in 
operation  from  sunrise  to  sunset.  Madame  Roland,  and  five 
hundred  of  the  highest  nobles,  have  lost  their  heads,  and  some 
hundreds  are  led  to  the  new  slaughter  house  every  day  1  At 
Lyons,  the  revolutionists  could  not  behead  their  victims  fast 
enough,  and  they  placed  two  hundred  persons  in  sacks,  and 
threw  them  into  the  river  !  Murat,  one  of  the  Napoleon  club, 
has  been  assassinated  by  Charlotte  Corday.  Every  priest  in 
France  has  been  murdered  by  the  Catholics. 

The  Duke  of  Orleans,  the  brother  of  the  King,   who  voted 


150  DESPOTISM. 

in  the  Assembly  for  the  King's  death,  has  been  guillotined  !* 
Pichegru  and  Captain  White  have  been  strangled  in  prison. 
In  the  French  Island  of  St.  Domingo,  the  blacks  have  risen 
and  murdered,  in  the  most  horrid  manner,  every  white  man, 
woman,  and  child  in  the  place  !  More  than  one  hundred 
thousand  wealthy  citizens  were  murdered  in  cold  blood,  and 
with  unparalleled  barbarity ! 

News  is  this  day  received  of  another  of  Napoleon's  mur- 
ders !  The  Duke  d'Enghien,  son  of  the  Duke  of  Bourbon, 
and  a  lineal  descendant  of  the  great  Conde,  was  residing  in 
retirement,  at  Strasburg  in  Baden,  a  neutral  territory.  A  file 
of  soldiers  was  sent  by  Napoleon  to  the  Duke's  residence,  and 
he  was  hastily  brought  to  the  fortress  of  Vincennes.  At 
twelve  o'clock  the  same  night,  the  Duke  was  aroused  from  his 
sleep  and  marched  to  the  courtyard  blindfolded  !  A  platoon 
of  soldiers  were  waiting  with  loaded  guns,  and  at  the  word  of 
command,  seven  balls  were  fired  at  his  heart  ! 

His  only  offence  was  his  relationship  to  the  late  unfortunate 
King. 

By  an  arrival  on  the  continent,  in  thirty-five  days  from  Ame- 
rica, we  learn  that  war  has  been  declared  against  England. — 
America  threatened  to  declare  war  if  England  did  not  repeal 
her  orders  in  council ;  and  they  were  repealed  sixty-five  days 
since  !  News  of  their  repeal  had  not  reached  the  United 
States  thirty  days  after,  at  which  time  they  declared  war — 
and  for  the  want  of  fast  sailing  vessels  we  are  to  be  involved 
in  a  war  which  will  cost  four  hundred  million  pounds. f  The 
American  privateer  General  Armstrong  is  now  lying  off  Liv- 
erpool, and  has  already  taken  five  vessels,  one  of  Vthich  had 
three  millions  in  specie  on  board  ! 

*  The  father  of  Louis  PhiUippe  was  educated  by  Madame  de  Genlis  with  Miss  Rivers. — 
For  these  facts,  read  the  Appendix  to  the  second  volume  of  United  Irishmen,  or  the  Life 
of  Fitzgerald. 

t  Read  the  history  of  the  war  for  this  fact. 


DESPOTISM.  151 

The  English  army  in  the  Peninsula  under  Sir  John  Moore, 
has  been  nearly  annihilated  at  Corunna,  and  Sir  John  was 
killed  by  a  cannon  ball.*  The  French  army  have  taken  Sara- 
gossa  in  Spain,  and  robbed  the  city  of  every  article  worth  re- 
moving. From  the  Church  of  "  Our  Lady  of  the  Pillar/' 
Marshal  Lannes  took  property  to  the  value  of  one  million  of 
dollars.  This  city  was  defended  by  General  Palafox,  in  the 
most  heroic  manner.  A  girl,  the  relative  of  Palafox,  loaded 
and  fired  one  of  the  cannons  on  the  ramparts,  and  the  name  of 
the  "  Maid  of  Saragossa"  is  placed  in  the  records  of  female 
heroism  never  to  be  forgotten,  f 

The  United  States  have  been  making  fifty  millions  every 
year  by  remaining  neutral,  and  enjoying  the  carrying  trade  of 
all  the  world.  Napoleon  has  now  issued  his  Berlin  and  Milan 
decrees,  by  which  he  has  ordered  every  French  armed  ship  to 
take  American  property  wherever  found,  and  to  hang  every 
American  seaman  found  on  board  the  English  vessels.  The 
French  have  already  taken  fifty  American  ships  and  three 
hundred  American  seamen  ; — all  the  sailors  are  to  be  hung  ! 
said  the  Baron. 

I  never  heard  of  such  villany  !  I  hooe  his  own  Catholics 
will  dispose  of  him,  said  Mr.  Pinckney. 

You  have  not  heard  all  !  The  mail  has  just  arrived  from 
Dublin,  and  brings  us  news  of  the  most  appalling  events,  said 
the  Baron. 

What  more  can  have  happened  ?  asked  Mr.  Pinckney. 


*  Sir  John  Moore  received  his  death  wound  while  leading  the  42d  Regiment  to  the 
charge.  His  shoulder  was  shattered  to  pieces,  and  his  arm  hung  by  a  film  of  skin  ;  the 
breast  and  lungs  were  laid  open.  This  touching  scene  will  live  for  ever  in  the  British 
heart,  embalmed  in  the  exquisite  words  of  their  poet — 

"  Not  a  drum  was  heard,  not  a  funeral  note, 
As  his  corse  to  the  ramparts  we  hurried  ; 
Not  a  soldier  discharged  his  farewell  shot 
O'er  the  grave  where  our  hero  we  buried." 
f  Eugenia  of  our  novrf,  was  the  descendant  of  Palafoz. 


152  DESPOTISM. 

The  whole  of  Ireland  is  in  one  blaze  of  insurrection  f  A 
treasonable  correspondence  has  been  detected,  the  thousands 
implicated  are  among  the  first  citizens  in  wealth  and  respecta- 
bility. Every  city,  town  aud  village  is  at  this  moment  the 
scene  of  the  most  deadly  conflict  ever  known  !  One-third  of 
the  inhabitants,  who  did  not  join  in  the  insurrection,  are  the 
victims  of  the  rebels — fires  light  up  the  horizon  from  ocean  to 
ocean,  and  blood  is  flowing  in  constant  streams.  A  girl  by 
the  name  of  Rivers  has  been  the  agent  by  whom  the  corres- 
pondence with  Hoche,  the  Directory,  and  Baron  Jewel  has 
been  conducted.  She  has  been  in  London,  and  in  daily  con- 
versation with  the  prirvcipal  rebels,  Lord  Fitzgerald,  Emmet, 
McNevin,  and  others.  The  English  army  have  already  lost 
twenty  thousand  men,  and  the  rebel  army  nearly  three  times 
as  many.*  The  conflict  is  not  ended,  and  no  one  can  tell  who 
are  to  be  the  victors  !  Every  man  in  England  and  Ireland 
who  can  carry  a  gun  is  under  arms  !  The  English  cabinet 
have  lost  their  usual  energy,  and  are  vascillating  in  ruinous 
consternation  !  The  names  of  the  implicated  are  Lord  E. 
Fitzgerald,  T.  A.  Emmet,  A.  0.  Connor,  R.  O.  Connor,  T. 
Russell,  J.  Chambers,  M.  Dorening,  E.  Hudson,  H.  Wilson, 
AV.  Dovvdall,  R.  Hunter,  S.  Butler,  A.  H.  Rawson,  J.  K 
Tandy,  H.  Sheaves,  J.  Sheaves,  O.  Bond,  B.  B.  Harvey,  L. 
IMcNulty,  J.  Russell,  0.  Perry,  T.  W.  Tone,  T.  Wright,  W. 
L.  Webb,  W.  Hamilton,  M.  Dowling,  R.  Kerwin,  J.  Rey- 
nolds, D.  Swift,  T.  Corbett,  VV.  Corbett,  W.  Weir,  J.  Allen, 
T.  Bacon,  R.  Emmett,  J.  Holt,  M.  Keogh,  W.  Tenant,  R. 
Simms,  S.  Nulson,  G.  Cumming,  J.  Cuthbut,  W.  S.  Dickson, 
W.  Drennan,  W.  Orr,  S.  Orr,  W.  P.  McCabe,  H.  Munroe,  J. 
Dickey,  H.  Haslett,  W.  Sampson,  J.  McCracken,  W.  Sinclair, 
J.  Sinclair,  R.  McGee,  J.  Milliken,  G.  Mcllvain,  R.  Byers,  S. 
Kennedy,  R.  Hunter,  R.  Orr,  H.  Grimes,  W.  Kean,  J.   Burn- 

*  For  this  fact  read  Fitzgerald's  Life,    recently    published  by  P.  M.  Hayerty,  No.  110 
Fulton  street)  New  York. 


DESPOTISM.  153 

side,  J.  Greer,  R.  Osborne,  M.  Turner,  W.  Simms,  J.  Rabb, 
J.  Hope,  W.  J.  McNevin,  J.  Sweeney,  J.  Cornnick,  J.  Sweet- 
man,  P.  Fennerly,  W.  M.  Byrne,  J.  McCann,  J.  Esmond,  W_ 
Lawless,  E.  J.  Lewins,  W.  Byrne,  W.  Devereaux,  J.  Deve- 
reau,  G-.  Byrne,  E.  Kyan,  C.  Teeling,  B.  Teeling,  R.  McCor- 
mick,  S.  Doorley,  F.  Rourke,  B.  Mahon,  J.  Sweetman,  E. 
Fitzgerald,  W.  Aylmer,  S.  Burrel,  F.  O'Donnell,  C.  O'Don- 
nell,  J.  Kelly,  J.  Cleney,  J.  Clinch,  J.  Burrill,  M.  Dwer. 

PraESTS. — Warwick,  W.  S.  Dickinson,  W,  Porter,  Barber, 
Mahon,  Birch,  Ward,  Smith,  Sinclair,  Stevelly,  McNeil, 
Simpson,  Kearns,  J.  Murphy,  M.  Murphy,  Kavannah,  Red- 
mond, Stafford,  Roche,  O'Keon,  Pindergast,  Ilarrill,  Quiiily, 
Tufte,  and  some  thousand  citizens  of  less  eminence,  all  of 
whom,  if  taken,  will  no  doubt  be  executed. 

No  civil  war  was  ever  so  destructive  I  In  many  instances , 
one  or  two  thousand  rebels  attacked  the  same  number  of  loyal 
Irish,  and  victory  was  only  declared  when  not  half  a  dozen 
were  left  on  either  side  !  Death  with  gun,  sword,  pistol  or 
knife,  seemed  the  fate  of  the  whole  country  !  The  people 
were  headed  by  the  priests,  and  extermination  was  on  the  ban- 
ners of  both  parties  !  At  the  moment  the  news  from  Ireland 
was  received,  every  man  on  board  the  eight  hundred  armed 
ships  was  in  open  insurrection,  and  the  Government  could  not 
send  a  single  vessel  to  sea  ! 

The  French  minister  at  Madrid  has  embroiled  the  King  and 
his  son  in  a  deadly  feud.  Napoleon  induced  Ferdinand  to 
visit  France,  and  he  now  retains  him  as  a  state  prisoner,  and 
has  sent  an  immense  army  to  conquer  Spain  !  The  French 
army,  at  last  dates,  was  driving  the  allies  before  them,  to  cer- 
tain destruction !  Napoleon  has  made  his  brother  Joseph 
King  of  Spain.  Joseph  has  executed  three  hundred  of  the 
principal  citizens  of  Cadiz,  after  publishing  a  free  amnesty  !* 


*  Gaad  Alison,  vol.  I.,  page  1S9. 


154  DESPOTISM. 

Murat,  the  brother-in-law  of  Napoleon,  is  made  King  of  Na- 
ples ;  and  Louis  is  King  of  Holland.  Sweden  has  made  Ber- 
nadotte,  one  of  Napoleon's  generals,  Crown  Prince  of  Swe- 
den. Jerome  is  made  King  of  Westphalia.  Napoleon  has 
expelled  Lucian  as  a  simpleton,  and  unfit  for  any  station.  An 
infernal  machine  has  been  fired  at  Napoleon  by  the  Catholics, 
and  dozens  were  killed  who  were  near  him,  but  Napoleon 
lives  to  carry  his  conquests  over  all  Europe,  treading  to  the 
dust  every  country,  every  city,  every  individual,  including  fe- 
males, in  one  common  ruin  !  We  have  a  report  to-day  that 
Napoleon  has  fought  a  great  battle  at  Areola,  in  which  the 
Austrians  lost  18,000  men  !  A  few  days  after  another  battle 
was  fought  at  Hohenlinden,  in  which  the  Austrians  lost  14,000 
men  !  At  Jena  the  Prussians  were  beaten  by  the  French,  and 
60,000  men  were  destroyed  or  taken  prisoners  !* 


*  We  copy  the  following  from  the  Mercantile  Guide  : 

Loss  OF  LiFH  BY  Wars. — We  have  seea  it  sometimes  remarked,  in  reference  to  the 
loss  of  life  in  the  Crimea,  that  certain  battles  were  among  the  bloodiest  ever  fcught,  the 
gacrifice  of  life  the  greatest,  &c.  But  such  writers  either  forget,  or  certainly  know  very- 
little  about  the  terrible  battles  fought  in  former  times,  and  even  of  a  comparatively  recent 
date,  and  within  the  memory  of  persons  living.     Let  us  notice  some  of  t!ie.se. 

At  the  battle  of  Areola  the  Auetrians  lost,  in  killed  and  wounded,  18,000 
men;  the  French,  15,000. 

At  Hohenlinden  the  Austrian  Ices  was  14,000  ;  the  French  9,000. 

At  Austerlitz,the  Allies,  out  of  80,000  men,  lost  30,000  in  killed  and  wounded 
or  prisoners:  the  French  loss  only  (!)  12,000. 

At  Jena  and  Austerstadt  the  Prussians  lost  30,000  men,  killed  and  wounded, 
and  nearly  as  many  prisoners,  making  nearly  60,000  in  all ;  and  the  French 
14,000  in  killed  and  wounded. 

At  the  terrific  battle  of  Eylau  the  Russians  lost  25,000  in  killed  and  wounded; 
and  the  French  30,000. 

At  Friedlandthe  Russian  loss  was  17,000  in  killed  and  wounded — the  French 
loss,  8,000. 

At  Wagram  the  Austrians  and  French  lost  each  25,000  men  or  50,000  in  all, 
in  killed  and  wounded. 

At  Smoleuski  the  Freneh  loss  was  17,000  men — that  of  the  Russians  10,000. 

At  Borodino,  which  is  said  to  hare  been   "the  most  murderous  and  obstinately 


DESPOTISM.  155 

In  France,  the  Government  Bank  of  India,  holding  the 
whole  of  the  national  property,  it  is  thought,  cannot  hold  out, 
or  pay  specie  much  longer !  If  it  fails,  France,  now  owing- 
fought  battle  on  record,"  the  French  lost  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  60,- 
000  men,  the  Russians  about  the  same  number,  making  in  all  100,000  men  in 
one  battle ! 

At  Lutzen  the  French  loss  was  18,000  men;   the  Allies  15,000. 

At  Bautzen  the  French  lost  25,000  men;   the  Allies  15,000. 

At  Dresden,  where  the  battle  lasted  two  days,  the  Allies  lost  in  killed,  wound- 
ed, and  prisoners  25,000  men;  and  the  French,  between  10,000  and  12,000. 

At  Leipsic,  which  lasted  three  days,  Napoleon  lost  two  Marshals,  twenty 
Generals  and  about  60,000  men,  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners ;  the  Allies, 
1,790  officers  and  about  40,000  men;  upwards  of  100,000  men  in  all! 

At  Ligny,  the  Prussians  lost  15,000  men,  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners; 
the  French  6,800, 

The  battle  of  Trebbia  lasted  three  days;  and  the  French  and  Allies  lost  each 
about  12,000  men,  or  24,000  in  all. 

Here  we  have  battles,  among  which  are  some,  compared  to  which  those  in  the 
Crimea  were  but  small  engagements,  great  as  they  appear  to  us.  Besides  these 
were  several  others  of  minor  importance  to  the  foregoing,  as  to  the  loss  of  men, 
but  large  in  the  aggregate.  There  were  those  of  the  Bridge  of  Lodi,  a  most  des- 
perately contested  fight,  the  famous  battle  of  the  Nile,  a  sea  fight,  in  which 
Nelson  lost  895  men  in  killed  and  wounded;  and  the  French  5,225  men  in 
killed  and  wounded,  3,005  prisoners  and  13  out  of  17  ships  engaged  in  the  action; 
that  of  the  Bay  of  Aboukir  where  the  French  had  8,000  men  eagaged,  and  the 
Turks  9,000;  and  every  man  of  the  Turks  was  lost,  in  killed,  wounded  and  pris- 
oners; Novi,  Engers,  Marengo,  a  most  desperate  and  bloody  engagement.  Maidu, 
where  the  French,  out  of  7,500  men  engaged,  lost  about  4,800  m  killed,  wounded 
and  prisoners.  Talavera,  another  famous  and  bloody  engagement;  Albuera, 
where  the  British,  out  of  7,500  men  engaged  lost  4,300,  Salamanca,  Vittoria, 
Toulons,   Paris  and  Quartre  Bas. 

In  all  these  battles,  the  Iofs,  in  killed  and  wounded  on  all  sides,  was  at  least  a 
jfiLLioN  of  men  I  besides  thousands  in  okirmishes,  minor  engngements,  &e.,  and 
that  within  a  period  of  less  than  thirty  years  !  Enormous  as  is  this  loss  and  in- 
jury of  life,  of  those  who  fall  in  battle  and  are  maimed  by  wounds,  it  is  but  small 
crimpared  to  the  loss  of  life  caused  otherwise  by  war.  "  The  numbers  killed  and 
wounded  in  battle,"  says  a  writer,  "  are  no  full  index  to  the  loss  of  life  in  war, 
and  seldom  comprise  one  fourth  of  its  actual  victims."  It  is  small  compared  to 
the  immense  numbers  carried  off  by  disease,  exposure,  and  other  casualties  in- 
cident to  war. 

Alisok  says  of  the  caicpaign  of  1799;  "  In  little  more  than  fcnr  months  tho 


156  DESPOTISM, 

ten  thousand  millions  of  dollars,  is  bankrupt,  and  not  one  bank 
in  one  hundred,  will  sustain  itself!  The  alarm  has  reached 
the  merchants  of  all  Europe,  nearly  all  of  whom  will  fail.  In 
London,  the  consternation  is  so  great,  that  an  order  in  coun- 
cil has  suspended  specie  payments,  of  the  bank  of  England, 
for  five  years,  and  it  is  thought  doubtful  if  it  will  ever  resume  ! 
Tlie  bank  shares,  and  Government  bonds,  have  fallen  to  fifty 
per  cent,  of  their  par  value,  and  not  one  pound  of  specie  can 
be  obtained,  said  the  Baron. 

Can  this  be  true  ?  asked  Mr.  Pinkney, 

In  addition  to  all  other  causes  of  alarm,  there  is  a  run  upon 
Sill  the  banks,  and  more  than  one  half  have  failed  !  The  crops 
are  only  half  the  usual  quantity,  and  starvation  is  carrying  oflf 
its  thousands  !  The  whole  population  of  working  men,  with 
tlieir  families,  are  marching,  in  masses,  to  the  destruction  of 
the  public  buildings,  and  private  property.  The  Bank  of  Eng- 
land has  resisted  two  attacks  of  the  Catholic  mobs,  now  con- 
sisting of  fifty  thousand  men,  armed  with  guns,  pistols,  and 
swords  !  The  destruction  of  lives,  and  property,  is  beyond 
computation  !  The  militia  are  not  able  to  quell  the  mob,  and 
the  people  are  in  despair !  By  the  last  mail  from  the  conti- 
nent, we  learn  that  Na})oleon  has  been  successful  in  four  of 
five  decisive  battles,  and  a  number  of  Slates  have  made  hasty 
treaties  with  him,  against  positive  stipulations  with  England  ! 
The  Emperor  Alexander,  of  Russia,  met  Napoleon,  on  a  raft, 


French  and  Allied  armiss  had  lost  nearly  half  of  their  collective  forces  ;  those 
cut  off  or  irrecoverably  mutilated  by  the  sword,  being  about  116,000  men."  And 
"  The  survivors  of  the  French  army  from  the  Russian  campaign  were  not  more 
than  35,000  men,  out  of  an  army  of  about  500,000  men  '." 

Such  are  the  curses  of  war  !  It  is  the  greatest  calamity  that  can  befall  a  nation, 
and  more  to  be  dreaded  than  plague,  pestilence  or  famine.  If  it  has  any  ad- 
vantages, they  are  of  such  character  as  the  hurricane  or  earthquake  produce  in 
nature,  more  of  a  negative  than  of  a  positive  character,  in  the  destruction  of 
tyrannical  government,  and  old,  time-worn  political  systems  of  error  and  op- 
pression. War  should  be  a  dernier  resort ;  and  a  nation  should  submit  to  almost 
any  evil  raiher  than  engage  in  one. 


DESPOTISM.  157 

in  the  river  Niemen,  and  the  next  day,  the  treaty  was  signed  ! 
There  were  more  than  one  thousand  English  merchant  vessels, 
with  full  cargoes,  in  the  ports  of  Eussia,  all  of  which  have 
been  declared  prizes  of  war,  and  confiscated!  In  the  other 
continental  ports,  there  are  over  two  thousand  vessels,  with 
their  cargoes,  all  of  which  will  be  lost !  Napoleon  has  issued  a 
decree,  imprisoning  every  man,  woman,  and  child,  of  English 
birth,  who  may  be  residing,  or  found  traveling  in  France,  and 
there  are  over  ten  thousand,  who  may  remain  prisoners  for 
twenty  years  !  said  the  Baron. 

That  Napoleon  is  a  rank  fiend,  he  is  the  incarnation  of  wick- 
edness, said  Mr  Pinckney. 

We  have  a  report,  to-day,  by  the  fast  sailing  packet  Arago, 
at  Antwerp,  in  forty-five  days  from  New- York,  that  a  great 
battle  has  been  fought  near  New  Orleans  between  P-ackenham 
and  Gen.  Jackson  !  Packenham  has  been  killed,  and  his  ar- 
my destroyed  !  The  same  vessel  brings  a  report  of  a  great 
naval  battle  on  the  Lakes,  in  which  the  entire  British  force 
was  captured  by  Commodore  Perry  !  These,  I  am  sure,  can- 
not be  correct,  said  the  Baron. 

I  think  you  may  be  mistaken — I  believe  they  are  true,  said 
Mr.  Pinckney. 

It  is  just  ascertained  that  some  irresponsible  persons  asso- 
ciated with  Napoleon,  have  been  manufacturing  French  bonds 
till  they  amount  to  ten  thousand  millions  of  dollars,  and  the 
value  has  sunk  to  one  dollar  for  one  thousand  !*  Napoleon 
has  taken  Vienna,  and  will  soon  capture  every  city  on  the 
continent  !  In  Vienna  he  found,  and  removed  over  fifty  mil- 
lions of  pounds  of  specie,  and  merchandise,  pictures,  and  sta- 
tues, and  has  positively  left  nothing  that  he  could  remove  but 
bare  walls  !     From  every  church  he  took   the   pictures,  and 


*  Read  Alison,  Tol.  I.,  p.  484. 


158  DESPOTISM. 

the  gold  and  silver,  and  precious  stones  consecrated  to  God, 
and  to  religion,  said  the  Baron. 

A  North  American  Indian  is  infinitely  more  civilized  and 
humanized  than  this  wretch,  said  Mr.  Pinckney. 

It  is  this  day  discovered  that  there  is  a  very  large  deficien- 
cy in  the  English  funds,  and  Lord  Melvin  is  implicated,  and 
is  supposed  to  be  a  very  large  defaulter  !  said  the  Baron. 

This  is  horrible  !  Positively  awful !  Will  England  be  de- 
stroyed ?   asked  Mr.  Pinckney. 

No  !     By  no  means,  said  the  Baron. 

Are  you  prepared  for  such  a  crisis  ?  asked  Mr.  Pinckney. 

I  am.  I  have  been  expecting  it  for  some  time.  Mr.  Burke 
told  me  confidentially,  some  months  since,  that  he  believed 
Napoleon  was  an  unprincipled  adventurer,  and  would  not  only 
conquer  most  of  the  European  nations,  but  would  rob  them  of 
every  dollar  and  then  enslave  them  all.  Fox,  you  know, 
always  contended  that  Napoleon  was  a  man  of  some  magna- 
nimity of  soul,  but  he  now  admits  he  was  mistaken.  Burke, 
in  his  speeches,  prophesied  all  that  has  happened,  but  many 
men  could  not  believe  that  any  being  would  commit  the  acts 
that  Napoleon  has,  said  the  Baron. 

Are  the  bankers  of  London  prepared  for  such  a  crisis? 
asked  Mr.  Pinckney. 

Some  are  and  some  are  not ;  I  have  the  vaults  of  my  bank 
crowded;  I  can  get  no  more  into  them.  I  have  recently  re- 
ceived ten  millions  from  the  United  States,  and  had  to  pay 
above  par.  Mr.  Coutts,  Mr.  Rogers,  Barings,  Peabody,  and 
Wiggin,  have  large  accumulations  of  specie.  I  shall  be  will- 
ing to  buy  the  English  bonds  in  such  amounts  as  the  Cl^ian- 
cellor  may  require,  but  I  shall  give  no  more  than  the  market 
price,  said  the  Baron. 

What  is  the  value  of  the  English  bonds  this  day  ?  asked 
Mr.  Pinckney. 

They  are  worth  fifty  pounds  on  the  par  of  one  hundred,  but 


DESPOTISM.  159 

they  will  fall  to-morrow,  I  think,  to  forty-five  per  cent.,  at  which 
I  will  take  twenty,  forty,  or  sixty  millions,  if  the  Chancellor 
requests  it,  said  the  Baron. 

My  sympathy  for  England,  as  the  only  Protestant  country 
besides  America,  is  very  strong,  and  I  am  glad  to  find  one 
man  of  your  strength  to  stand  by  Pitt  and  the  nation ;  but 
England  has  other  troubles  beside  the  want  of  money,  she  is 
to  be  ruined  by  the  Catholic  fiends.  England,  I  know,  will  be 
compelled  to  yield.  No  wisdom  can  guide  her  through  such 
perilous  scenes.  She  has  wise  statesmen  to  rule,  and  power- 
ful friends  to  aid  her  and  to  loan  their  money,  but  her  difficul- 
ties lie  too  deep  for  their  relief  Her  Catholics  at  home  and 
Catholics  in  Ireland  are  her  greatest  enemies,  and  will  rum 
any  country.  What  power  but  omnipotence  can  sustain  her 
in  this  her  worst  crisis  ?  She  must  sink,  the  die  is  cast,  said 
Mr.  Pinckney.* 


*  We  copy  the  following  from  AlisoN,  p.  460,  vol.  3. 

These  cursed,  double  cursed  news,  have  sunk  my  spirits  so  much,  that  I  am  almost 
at  disbelieving  a  Providence.  God  forgive  me  I  But  I  think  some  evil  demon  has  been 
permitted,  in  the  shape  of  this  tyrannical  monster,  whom  God  has  sent  on  the  nations 
visited  in  his  anger.  The  Spaniards  may  have  Roman  pride,  but  they  want  Roman  talent 
to  support  it ;  and,  in  .short,  unless  God  in  his  mercy  should  raise  up  among  them  one 
of  those  extraordinary  geniuses  who  seem  created  for  the  emergencies  of  an  oppre.ssed 
people,  I  confess  I  see  no  hope.  The  spring  tide  may,  for  aught  I  know,  break  upon  us  in 
the  next  session  of  Parliament.  There  is  an  evil  fate  upon  us  in  all  we  do  at  home  or 
abroad."— Sir  Walter  Scott  to  Ems,  IZth  December^  1S08,  and  September  U,  1809.  Lock- 
hart's  Life  o/Scorr,  ii.,  225,  227,  253. 

To  the  same  purpose,  Sir  James  Macintosh  said,  at  this  period,  writing  to  fientz  at 
Vienna,  "  I  believe,  like  you,  in  a  resurrection,  because  I  believe  in  the  immortality  of 
civilization  ;  but  when,  and  by  whom,  in  what  form,  are  questions  which  I  have  not  the 
sagacity  to  answer,  and  on  which  it  wonld  be  boldness  to  hazard  a  conjecture.  A  da'k 
and  stormy  night,  a  black  series  of  ages,  may  be  prepared  for  our  posterity  before  the 
dawn  that  opens  the  more  perfect  day.  Who  can  tell  how  long  that  fearful  night  mav  be 
before  the  dawn  of  a  brighter  morrow?  The  race  of  man  may  reach  the  promised  land, 
but  there  is  no  assurance  that  the  present  generation  will  not  perish  in  the  wilderness. 
The  mischief  has  become  too  intricate  to  be  unravelled  in  our  day.  An  evil  greater  than 
despotism,  even  in  its  worst  and  most  hideous  form,  approaches — a  monarchy  literal'y 
universal  seems  about  to  be  established." — Mackintosh  to  Ge.vtz,  2-l;/i  Z>t;c  mfcr,  1805  ; 
and  to  WiLUAM  Ogilyib,  Esq.,  2ith  Fcbruinj,  1808.  Memoirs  of  Macki.ntosu,  i.,  307 
and  383. 


160  DESPOTISM. 

England  shall  be   sustained !     She   shall    not   sink  !     Our 
people,  the  Jews,  have  been  persecuted  by  Catholics,  for  eigh- 
teen hundred  years,   and   nearly  one  fourth   of  our   number 
have  fallen  victims  to  their  horrid  persecutions.     I  have  writ- 
ten to  my  German  brothers,  and  we  have   decided   to  sustain 
England,  for  the  reason  that  she  is  Protestant.     I   do  hope, 
Mr.  Pinckney,  that  you  will  never  allow  a  Catholic  Church  on 
your  soil.     Can  you  look,  with  indifference,  on  the  horrors  that 
Catholic  dogmas  are  intlicting  on  England  and   Ireland  !     If 
these  Catholics  find  such  causes  for  intolerance  and    persecu- 
tion, such  deadly  hatred  toward  each  other  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment,   we,    Jews,    are   most   fortunate   in   not   having   been 
schooled  in  its  belief.     We  never  destroyed  each  other  in  obe- 
dience to  our  Bible.      Ours  teaches  love  to  God,  and  love  to 
man,  but  these  Catholics  are  constantly  murdering  each  other, 
or  their  Protestant  brothers.    The  whole  world  despises  them. 
They  have  always  had  a  book,  which  they  called  a  revelation. 
For  fifteen  hundred  years,  every  priest  copied  a  Bible  to  suit 
himself,  from  a  mutilated  book  borrowed    of  another   priest. 
The  priests  put  into  their  Bibles,   sentiments  and    doctrines, 
that  suited  their  depraved  character.'^,  and  such  as  w^ere  never 
defended  by  honest  men  ;    but,  by    keeping   the  book    from 
the  people,   the  fraud  was   not   detected.     Their  fables,  tra- 
ditions, inventions  and  alterations,  are  perfectly  ridiculous,  and 
throw  doubts  upon  the  truths,  that  all   the   world   would    be- 
lieve, if  they  were  not  connected    with    Catholic   inventions. 
By  the  means  of  their  inventions,  they  established  a  despotism 
over  the  bodies  and  the  souls  of  mankind.  For  fifteen  hundred 
years,  they  required  all  the  world  to  admit  that  the  sacrament 
was  the  real  body,  and  blood  of  the  Savior,  and  they  burnt  all 
who  would  not  subscribe  to  an  impossibility  !     Do  the.-^e  Cath- 
olics believe  that  woman,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  half 
our  high  civilization,  and  all  our  refinement,  was  the  cause   of 
all  the  vices,  and  sins  of  the  world  ?     Is  there  a  person  living 


DESPOTISM.  161 

beside  Catholics,  so  ignorant  as  to  believe  that  the  world  was 
created  only  six  thousand  years  ago  ?  Who  believes  that 
Mary  is  our  creator  and  one  of  the  four  Gods  ?  These  do^^- 
mas  shock  the  common  sense,  as  well  as  the  religious  senti- 
ment of  this  enlightened  age,  and  it  is  time  that  they  were 
thrown  to  the  winds,  and  they  are,  by  all  men  of  sense.  The 
Catholics  have  made  hundreds  of  alterations  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, and  no  passage,  in  our  Bible,  charges  the  sins  of  the 
world  to  females  :  this  invention  is  an  eastern  fable.  Men  and 
priests  have  been  the  sinners,  and  females  have  been  their 
victims.  All  our  elevation,  above  Catholic  nations,  in  early 
and  later  years,  is  due  to  the  exalted  character  of  our  females, 
whom  their  priests  despise,  and  abuse.  Until  the  reformation, 
no  Catholic  priest  allowed  his  Bible  to  be  read  ;  but  the  Pro- 
testant Bible  has  always  been  in  the  hands  of  the  people. 
Catholics  now  say,  you,  the  Protestants,  have  altered  your 
Bible,  and  we  will  not  allow  our  children  to  attend  the 
schools,  in  which  your  Bibles  are  read  without  note  or  com- 
ment. This  is  the  undisguised  language  of  that  Bishop,  who, 
in  New- York,  has  caused  so  much  noisy  controversy,  and  has 
shown  so  much  ill-temper.  We,  the  Jews,  know  that  the 
Catholic  Bible,  is  not  the  Bible  received  by  Moses  and  the 
Prophets.  The  Catholics  now  call  all  infidels,  who  do  not 
admit  their  spurious  edition,  to  be  the  revealed  voice  of  Hea- 
ven. The  term  infidel,  as  apphed  by  them,  is  a  foul  libel  on 
all  the  Protestants  of  the  world,  and  should  be  visited  back  on 
Catholics  by  the  most  severe  denunciations.  The  Protestants, 
knowing  no  worse  epithet,  call  them  Roman  Catholics.  You, 
in  America,  are  allowing  them  to  build  churches,  and  cathe- 
drals of  great  magnificence,  and  to  spread  their  dogmas  in  a 
most  effectual  way,  by  the  numberless  schools  taught  with, 
and  without  pay,  over  the  face  of  your  beautiful  country. 
You  Americans,  are  not  aware   of  the  injury  that  you  are 


162  DE8T>OTI8M. 

doing  to  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  half  the  world,   said  the 
Baron. 

You  cannot  have  a  greater  dread  of  Catholics,  than  we  have 
in  the  United  States.  We  know  that  a  great  party,  united 
together,  under  the  strongest  obligations  that  can  be  created, 
and  iiaving  a  faith,  a  Bible,  and  a  Pope  of  their  own,  can  never 
live  in  peace  with  those  who  are  in  daily  contact  with  them. 
A  collision  must  come ;  and  one  must  destroy  the  other ! 
Washington  always  entertained  but  one  opinion,  and  that  he 
frequently  expressed  to  me  in  his  confidential  conversations. 
He  always  regarded  the  hierarchy,  as  a  power  above  the  state, 
and  a  power  under  which  all  goverments  must  finally  fall,  if 
Catholics  were  allowed  to  poison  a  country  with  their  dogmas, 
and  their  immoral  priests.  Washington  always  contended, 
that  imported  voters  would  sell  their  joint  vote  to  the  highest 
bidder,  and  the  greatest  demagogue  would  always  be  the  pur- 
chaser. The  price  paid  for  the  Catholic  vote,  w^ould  be  the 
offices,  out  of  which  the  greatest  amount  of  money,  and 
power  could  be  secured.  Washington's  views  are  the  senti- 
ments of  the  Americans,  and  the  fixed  basis  on  which  the  leg- 
islation of  my  associates  in  the  government  will  always  be 
administered,  said  Mr.  Pinckney,  as  he  withdrew. 


DESPOTISM.  163 

It  now  becomes  necessary  to  step  forward  a  few  years  in 
life's  drama,  and  to  look  around  us  again.  Our  story  is  pro- 
fessedly a  fiction,  but  almost  all  the  incidents  are  facts,  record- 
ed in  authentic  history.  Facts  mu^^t  always  have  an  interest 
with  which  fiction  cannot  be  invested.  The  most  interesting 
events  of  life,  are  not  generally  those  that  begin,  and  end,  in 
the  same  short  period  of  time,  required  to  relate  them.  Such 
events  cannot  have  the  interesting  developments,  nor  the  mo- 
ral lessons,  that  are  embraced  in  the  first  and  last  scenes  of  a 
busy  age.  Most  novels  embrace  the  lifetime  of  their  princi- 
pal actors,  and  do  not  include  earlier  or  later  dates. 

The  Last  Days  of  the  Republic,  while  it  claims  to  be  a 
fiction,  details  like  history,  events  just  prior  to  the  present  cen- 
tury, and  extending  in  the  order  of  their  occurrence,  with 
slight  deviations,  to  the' present  date,' January,  1856.  All  the 
great  events  which  shook  Europe  to  her  centre,  and  came 
so  near  the  destruction  of  England,  took  place  between  1797 
and  1815. 

Eighteen  years  in  the  history  of  a  country  is  so  short  a 
period  that  the  novelist  may  be  fairly  allowed  to  group 
the  most  important  events  as  occurring  simultaneously.  The 
writer  has  not  availed  himself  of  this  privilege,  but  has  alluded 
to  them  in  the  order  of  their  occurrence,  and  has  regarded  his 
scene  as  constantly  progressing  in  time.  Just  prior  to  the 
close  of  the  last  century,  there  appeared  in  Europe  a  being 
unlike  any  with  whom  the  past  world  had  been  afiflicted.  By 
those  nations  that  he  conquered,  including  all  but  two  in 
Europe,  he  was  regarded  as  a  scourge,  sent  by  an  evil  spirit 
to  destroy  their  liberties,  and  to  send  society  and  the  world,  as 
did  the  northern  barbarians,  back  to  misery  and  the  lowest 
degree  of  civilization.  The  remarks  made  by  the  actors, 
in  this  part  of  our  drama,  come  from  Englishmen,  and  no  one, 
we  think,  will  doubt  their  being  the  true  expression  of  their 
feelings  and  their  deep  anxieties.  We  need  not  tell  the  readers 


164  DESPOTISM. 

of  history,  that  England  was  for  a  time  abandoned  by  her 
reflecting  men,  as  lost  to  freedom,  to  civilization,  and  to 
national  existence.  To  the  young  readers  of  our  fiction,  we 
cannot  expect  to  convey  any  accurate  conception  of  the  deep 
anxiety  tiiat  settled  on  the  minds  of  men  in  the  darkest  period 
ever  known  by  any  nation. 

Napoleon  has  found  but  few  apologists  in  free  countries, 
and,  in  a  land  of  liberty,  his  name  is  held  in  deep  abhorrence. 
If  the  love  of  liberty  is  to  be  inculcated  as  a  virtue,  the  detesta- 
tion of  tyranny  in  a  land  of  freedom  is  no  less  a  virtue.  That 
the  young  may  know,  by  the  acts  of  a  tyrant,  what  freedom 
is  when  contrasted  with  them,  comments  on  the  acts  of  Napo- 
leon should  be  multiplied  indefinitely.  Washington  fought  for 
freedom,  and  Napoleon  fought  to  enslave  Europe;  if  one  was 
an  emblem  of  virtue,  the  other  was  the  type  of  him  who, 
under  diflferent  names,  has  always  been  regarded  as  an  enemy 
of  man. 

Our  limited  plan  has  allowed  us  only  to  allude  to  a  few 
of  the  many  acts  which  must,  by  the  virtuous,  be  regarded  as 
hostile  to  virtue,  to  progress,  to  civilization,  and  the  most 
cherished  objects  of  virtuous  life. 

Those  fortunate  men  who  live  to  write  a  history  of  the 
nineteenth  century,  will  have  a  pleasant  duty  to  perform,  and 
such  a  one  as  was  never  yet  enjoyed  by  any  historian.  Mr. 
Bancroft  has,  in  his  history  of  this  country,  nearly  crossed 
the  Appian  way,  and  will  soon  reach  a  city,  state,  and  an  era; 
of  which  the  greatest  men  of  the  past  ages  never  formed  a 
conception.  If  there  is  a  desire  in  the  soul  of  every  man  now 
living,  stronger  than  all  others,  it  is,  no  doubt,  that  he  may 
live  to  read  the  history,  (or  the  greater  part  of  it,)  of  the 
nineteenth  century,  written  by  such  men  as  Prescott  and 
Bancroft. 

That  age  is  indeed  rich  in  materials,  in  which  writers  of 


DESPOTISM.  165 

fiction,  find  facts  all  ready  at  their  command,  more  interesting 
than  their  invention  can  furnish. 

If  it  should  be  found  that  the  writer  has  blended  fiction  of 
any  value,  with  the  deeply  interesting  facts  of  history,  the  best 
judges  of  our  country's  wants  will  appreciate  his  motive,  and 
may  give  him  credit  for  the  little  benefit  he  may  be  to  his 
country. 

He  assures  his  readers  that  be  never  held  any  political  of- 
fice, and  there  is  none  that  he  would  accept.  To  receive  the 
approbation  of  the  higher  classes,  would  be  more  agreeable 
to  him  than  the  election  of  any  individual  to  an  eminent  sta- 
tion ;  however  much  he  may  desire  to  elevate  Union  men, 
when  disunion  is  threatening  the  destruction  of  the  country. 

In  departing  from  the  usage  of  other  writers,  and  introdu- 
cing, as  do  newspapers,  individual  names  and  the  daily  inci- 
dents of  life,  the  writer  has  hoped  to  invest  his  story  with 
deeper  and  more  general  interest,  than  he  could  in  any  other 
way. 

If  any  person  whose  name  may  appear  in  this  novel,  shall 
be  inclined  to  censure  the  writer,  he  asks  indulgence  in  con- 
sideration of  the  end  proposed,  and  the  beneficial  results  hoped 
for,  in  a  general  circulation.  The  writer  positively  assures 
the  public  that  they  shall  never  know  him  ;  and  if  he  keeps 
his  word,  they  will  give  him  credit  for  entertaining  a  strong 
hope,  that  some  of  the  principles  contended  for,  will  be  ap- 
proved, and  some  of  the  sentiments  will  find  a  response  in 
their  hearts,  and  an  increased  circulation  through  their  agency. 

While  the  writer  positively  assures  the  American  Party 
that  they  shall  never  know  him,  he  ofi'ers  the  work  freely  to 
any  person  who  may  think  it  worth  claiming — he  shall  never 
be  contradicted  by  the  writer.  It  is  not  only  expected,  but 
hoped,  that  one  class  of  readers  will  condemn  the  work — as 
that  will  be  its  best  passport  to  those  circles,  to  which  the 
ambition  of  the  writer  would  consign  it.      The  work  is  a  con- 


1 66  DESPOTISM. 

test  for  principles — and  not  a  bid,  like  most  novels,  for  the 
approval  of  every  newspaper.  It  is  of  the  reflecting,  and  of 
the  higher  classes  only,  that  he  asks  a  verdict, — and  he  will 
tell  them  in  advance,  that  he  is  better  pleased  in  having  suited 
himself,  than  he  will  be  in  suiting  them,  however  highly  he 
may  value  their  good  opinion. 

The  writer  is  perfectly  independent,  and  does  not  demand 
one  cent  of  the  public,  and  writes  only  to  amuse  himself  To 
lash  the  vices  and  the  errors  of  society,  is  his  highest  enjoy- 
ment. Principles  are  matters  of  interest  to  him,  and  while 
contending  for  them,  he  asks  for  approval  ou  his  own  terms, 
or  none  will  be  received. 

If  the  principles  contended  for  are  not  national  and  self-sus- 
taining, his  work,  and  the  country,  may  be  sustained  by  some 
other  person,  for  he  will  not  sustain  them.  Follies  were  born 
prior  to  the  last  age,  and  lashing  will  not  correct  them  all, 
in  this.  Follies  have  given  employment  to  more  than  one  wri- 
ter of  biting  sarcasm  ;  and  writers  of  similar  tastes  will  find 
material  enough  for  their  employment,  even  in  this  virtuous 
age.  Individual  follies,  multiplied  indefinitely,  constitute  a 
country's  follies.  While  this  country  has  many  virtues,  and 
claims  many  honors,  it  has  within  its  bosom,  men  who  would 
disgrace  any  country  and  any  age.  The  country  has  no  back 
on  which  the  lash  can  be  placed,  but  individuals  have— and 
through  them,  the  country  is  to  be  corrected.  If  the  Ameri- 
cans shall  decide  by  their  verdict,  that  certain  classes  and  cer- 
tain individuals  need  correction,  the  writer,  in  further  efforts 
for  their  good,  asks  for  the  pleasure  of  holding  the  whip. 

Invisible  Sam. 


DESPOTISM.  167 


CHAPTEE    VI. 


FEMALE    VIRTUES. 

All  !  why  should  Virtue  fear  the  frowns  of  Fate  ? 
Hers  what  no  wealth  can  buy,  no  power  create  t 
A  little  world  of  clear  and-cloudless  day, 
Nor  wreck 'd  by  storms,  nor  moulded  by  decay  ; 
A  world,  with  Memory's  ceaseless  sunshine  blest, 
The  home  of  Happiness,  an  honest  breast. 

KoGERg. 

The  Manchester,  a  ship  of  five  hundred  tons,  was  lying  at 
the  Dock,  in  London.  It  was  the  worst  vessel  in  London. 
It  was  old,  weather-beaten,  a  slow-sailer,  and  could  not  be 
insured.  Two  ladies  were  seen  walking  toward  the  Manches- 
ter. Captain,  what  do  you  charge  for  a  passage  to  New- York  ? 
asked  a  delicate  female. 

"We  have  not  fixed  our  price  yet,  but  we  will  take  you  lower 
than  any  other  vessel ;  it  will  be  between  two  and  three 
pounds,  said  a  rough-looking  character. 

Have  you  any  berths  ?  Have  you  a  stove,  to  warm  the  ves- 
sel ?  asked  the  lady. 

We  have  not,  but  all  these  things  will  be  attended  to ; 
we  have  just  discharged  a  dirty  cargo,  and  are  nearly  ready 
for  another,  said  the  sailor. 


168  DESPOTISM.  ;       ;. 

Does  the  Manchester  leak  ?  asked  the  lady. 

Not  a  drop ;  she  is  nearly  new,  said  the  sailor. 

How  many  passengers  shall  you  take  ?  asked  the  lady. 

We  shall  take  no  more  than  can  be  well  accommodated ; 
we  shall  not  crowd  the  vessel,  said  the  sailor. 

How  long  will  you  require  to  reach  New- York,  asked  the 
lady,  whose  name  was  Bright. 

We  shall  cross  in  fifteen  days,  said  the  sailor. 

This  is  the  vessel  for  me,  said  Mrs.  Bright,  to  her  compan- 
ion, Mrs.  Burnham. 

Mrs.  Bright  was  young  and  handsome.  Care  was  marked 
upon  a  countenance,  yet  possessing  every  element  of  beauty. 
Her  eyes  were  black,  her  complexion  remarkably  clear.  Her 
hair  was  very  dark,  and  arranged  with  exquisite  taste.  Her 
features  were  faultless.  Her  clothes  had  been  rich,  but  were 
worn  threadbare  ;  every  article  was  neat,  and  placed  with  great 
care  upon  her  beautiful  form.  The  melancholy  expression  of 
her  countenance,  seemed  to  heighten  the  interest  of  the  scene, 
and  to  see  such  a  person,  in  that  place,  excited  the  sypmathy  of 
one  person,  who  watched  her  motions,  with  no  ordinary  feel- 
ings. 

No  person  could  look  at  Mrs.  Bright,  with  indifference.  Her 
eye,  beautifully  formed  brow,  remarkably  delicate  features,  an 
expression  that  gave  assurance  of  deep  intellectual  resources ; 
all  assured  those  who  saw  her,  that  she  was  a  superior  person 
and  a  stranger  in  such  scenes. 

Can  it  be  that  such  a  person  is  taking  passage  in  that  ves- 
self  ?  said  the  stranger,  audibly,  although  he  seemed  to  be 
addressing  no  one.  I  must  know  more  of  so  remarkable  a 
person.  There  is  some  untold  tale,  some  dark  mystery  here  ! 
I  will  know  more  of  this  woman  !  Mrs.  Bright  was  con^ 
scions  of  the  notice  that  she  had  excited,  and  seemed  anxious 
to  conceal  her  face  from  his  steady  gaze. 

She  advanced  twice  to  ask  the  captain  a  question  of  deep 


DESPOTISM.  169 

interest,  but  one  that  she  was  afraid  to  have  answered.  She 
looked  around  to  see  if  she  was  noticed — she  advanced  to  the 
captain  again  ! 

Captain,  I  am  poor,  and  wish  to  leave  England,  and  try  my 
chance  in  America.  Will  you  take  me  for  half  price  ?  It  is 
all  that  I  have,  said  Mrs.  Bright. 

The  captain  paused.  He  looked  closely  at  a  fuce  which  he 
thought  surpassingly  lovely,  but  she  was  evidently  suffering 
under  some  deep  anxiety. 

I  will  if  you  are  going  alone,  said  the  captain. 

I  am  going  with  my  husband  and  two  children,  said  Mrs. 
Bright. 

I  shall  take  you  for  no  less  than  I  take  others,  said  the 
captain. 

I  will  come  again,  said  Mrs.  Bright. 

As  she  turned  to  leave,  her  eye  met  the  face  of  him  who 
had  watched  for  some  time  the  countenance  and  the  actions  of 
Mrs.  Bright.     She  left  the  vessel. 

I  have  seen  that  face  before  !  Who  could  he  be  ?  Ho 
watched  me  constantly — he  would  not  give  me  an  opportunity 
to  speak ;  he  was  before  my  eyes,  and  I  felt  embarrassed. — 
Who  could  he  be  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bright. 

I  know  him  well,  said  Mrs.  Burnham. 

I  do  not  think  we  shall  be  able  to  go  to  America  !  The 
Commissioners  of  the  Poor  will  not  allow  me  but  one  pound, 
and  we  cannot  go  for  that  amount.  This  vessel  is  a  miserable 
one,  and  I  am  sure  there  cannot  be  a  worse  one,  and  it  is  of 
no  use  to  look  for  a  lower  passage, — and  even  in  this  we  can- 
not take  passage  with  the  money  that  we  have,  or  can  obtain, 
said  Mrs.  Bright. 

The  town  of  Nelson  sent  all  their  parish  poor  at  two  pounds 
each,  and  nearly  one-third  of  the  parents  died,  and  left  nume- 
rous orphans  to  suffer  in  America,  said  Mrs.  Burnham. 


170  DESPOTISM. 

Do  you  think  we  shall  die  ?  Will  Isabella  and  John  die  ? 
For  myself,  I  am  resigned  to  any  fate,  but  I  cannot  bear  the 
thought  of  losing  them,  or  of  leaving  them  unprotected  in  a 
land  of  strangers  f  I  do  fear  that  we  shall  all  be  lost  !  It  is 
melancholy  to  go  on  board  of  a  vessel  that  you  cannot  expect 
to  leave  alive  !  I  must  try  some  of  my  friends,  and  see  if 
ihey  will  lend  me  a  few  pounds.  I  will  call  on  Mr.  Caxton 
first — my  husband  was  in  college  with  him,  said  Mrs.  Bright. 

The  next  day  Mrs.  Bright  called  on  Mr.  Caxton. 

Mr.  Caxton,  I  am  going  from  that  home  once  so  dear  to 
me  !  I  need  not  tell  you,  that  I  am  in  deep  distress  !  I  am 
going  to  America,  called  by  some,  "  that  glorious  land  of  lib- 
erty and  of  virtue.-'  I  have  read  a  large  advertisement,  which 
stated  that  men  and  women  were  wanted,  and  good  wages 
would  be  given.  I  can  work,  you  know — I  am  young,  said 
Mrs.  Bright. 

Mrs.  Bright,  you  astonish  me  !  You  do  not  mean  that  you 
have  decided  on  such  a  step,  said  Mr.  Caxton. 

I  have  decided  to  go  !  I  have  not  worked,  but  I  can,  and 
will !  I  will  begin  a  new  life  in  America — I  will  support  my 
family  by  my  daily  labor.  My  husband  is  entirely  discourag- 
ed, and  his  relatives  have  discarded  him.  He  attended  to  his 
office  till  the 'new  house,  the  '  Robert  Burns,'  was  opened  near 
us,  and  he  has  paid  but  little  attention  to  business  since, 
said  Mrs.  Bright. 

Can  it  be  that  you  have  determined  to  take  those  two  love- 
ly children  of  yours  across  the  ocean  ?  You  have  rich  friends 
— your  husband  was  educated  with  me  at  Oxford  ;  and  you 
were  the  delight  of  a  large  family.  Your  husband  was  the 
first  scholar  in  his  class,  and  had  explored  the  deep  mines  of 
classic  lore,  the  deep  subtleties  of  metaphysics,  and  the  varied 
learning  of  the  schools ;  his  stupendous  genius  was  the  admi- 
ration of  all.  Your  education  qualified  you  for  any  position 
in  life.   You  cannot  work,  you  have  not  the  necessary  strength 


DESPOTISM  171 

— your  form  is  too  delicate  ;  none  can  work  who  are  not  early 
compelled  to  labor,  said  Mr.  Caxton. 

Mr.  Caxton,  my  strongest  motive  in  going  to  America  is  to 
change  the  scene,  and  to  get  rid  of  the  influences  by  which 
my  husband  is  here  surrounded.  In  America,  I  am  told, 
they  are  making  great  efforts  to  get  rid  of  the  awful  vices 
which  surround  us  here.  You  know  that  my  husband's  tal- 
ents are  of  the  highest  order,  and  his  early  success  was  great, 
and  his  income  for  a  young  lawyer  was  large.  His  friends 
were  numerous,  and  he  soon  joined  the  club,  and  was  from 
home  continually.  But  my  feelings  forbid  my  telling  you  all, 
said  Mrs.  Bright. 

Mrs.  Bright,  I  did  not  expect  a  call  from  you  under  such 
circumstances;  but  if,  on  reflection,  you  are  still  determined 
to  go,  call  on  me  a  few  days  hence,  and  I  will  give  you  all 
that  you  may  require,  after  you  have  obtained  all  you  can 
from  the  Commissioners  of  the  Poor,  said  Mr.  Caxton. 

Mrs.  Bright  returned  home.  The  next  day  she  called  at 
the  office  of  the  agent,  and  arranged  for  their  passage  in  the 
Manchester.  In  a  few  days  she  had  disposed  of  all  the  few 
articles  which  her  husband  had  not  placed  in  pawn  and  she 
called  again  on  Mr,  Caxton. 

Mr.  Caxton,  I  have  decided  to  leave  London  for  that  happy 
country,  and  I  have  called  for  that  assistance  which  you  so 
kindly  offered  me.  I  think  that  in  America  I  can  earn  enough 
to  repay  you  for  the  amount  which  you  may  loan  me.  My 
husband,  I  yet  hope,  will,  in  that  land  of  temperance,  where 
he  will  be  removed  from  associations  and  influences  which 
have  so  much  injured  him,  regain  his  energy,  and  pursue  with 
credit,  a  profession  that  he  by  his  talents,  is  so  well  able  to 
adorn.  I  have  seen  letters  from  America,  representing  it  as 
a  Paradise  !  We  shall  have  no  friends  there.  I  do  at  times 
sink  with  an  oppressed  heart  !  I  give  up  valued  friends  here. 
You  know  we  occupied  a  large  house,  and   my  husband  was 


172  DESPOTISM. 

social  in  his  nature,  and  like  most  of  us  in  England,  enter- 
tained a  large  circle  of  friends.  I  have,  Mr.  Caxton,  shed 
many  tears,  before  I  came  to  this  !  But  you  see  I  am  firm 
now  !  These  Americans  are  very  humane  and  liberal — and 
the  ladies,  I  am  told,  are  constantly  assisting  all  who  need 
their  kind  attention.  A  neighbor  of  mine  has  received  a  letter 
from  her  friend  in  New  York,  that  certainly  would  induce 
any  person  in  my  condition  to  emigrate. 

Mrs.  Burnhain's  letter  says  that  all  the  New  York  ladies 
visit  ragged-schools  and  Sunday-schools,  and  help  the  poor, 
and  all  the  poor  families  get  along  very  well.  Do  you  think 
the  New  York  ladies  can  assist  so  many  as  are  going  out  now  ? 
They  must  be  rich,  I  am  sure,  said  Mrs.  Bright. 

When  does  the  Manchester  sail  ?  asked  Mr.  Caxton. 

Next  week,  said  Mrs.  Bright. 

Here  is  the  money  that  you  will  need  to  pay  your  passage, 
and  here  is  a  roll  of  sovereigns  sealed  up,  and  you  are  nut  to 
open  them  till  you  arrive  in  America.  I  shall  not  tell  you 
how  much  there  is,  but  the  money  will  do  you  good  when  you 
arrive.  The  Americans  should  never  admit  any  person  with- 
out such  a  sum,  said  Mr.  Caxton. 

Mr.  Caxton,  I  cannot  acknowledge,  in  a  suitable  manner, 
this  kindness  of  yours.  To  say  that  I  thank  you,  is  a  cold 
expression ;  but  my  heart  is  warm ;  and  to  you  it  shall 
be  ever  pledged  in  deepest  thankfulness.  If  I  can  get  a 
school,  or  if  I  can  obtain  sewing  or  work  of  any  kind,  in  that 
happy  country,  I  will  repay  you  all ;  you  shall  never  be 
forgotten.  "We  may  be  able  to  redeem  all  and  yet  be 
respected  by  a  large  circle  of  friends,  and  I  am  at  times 
encouraged.  I  could  endure  my  own  suffering  and  live 
or  die  where  we  are,  but  I  cannot  think  of  bringing  up 
my  children  in  this  place,  where  vices  are  constantly  pressing 
the  masses  downward  to  the  earth.  In  America  my  children 
will   inhale  with  their   breath    the   energy  that   so  peculiarly 


BESPOTI8M.  173 

marks  the  American  character.  Here  there  are  no  influences 
in  operation  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  masses.  All 
efforts  are  abandoned,  and  we  are  left  to  see  misery,  sorrow, 
and  suffering  rapidly  extending  to  all  who  are  poor,  and  to  all 
to  whom  poverty  is  sure  to  come.  By  any  person  who  will  visit 
with  me  the  scenes  of  suffering  that  flow  directly  from  intem- 
perance, it  will  be  admitted  that  the  efforts  of  the  charitable 
cannot  much  longer  be  sustained,  if  the  stream  of  suffering 
and  degradation  is  to  be  allowed  to  constantly  enlarge  by  the 
increase  of  the  stores  which  so  much  debase  the  lower  classes- 
I  am  surprised  to  see  the  increase  of  poverty,  crime,  suffering, 
and  destitution.  And  yet,  I  ought  not  to  be  surprised.  You 
know  that  I  have  long  been  familiar  with  the  sufferings  of  the 
lower  classes.  I  have  been  connected  with  Sunday-schools 
as  scholar  and  teacher,  since  I  was  twelve  years  of  age, 
but  now  we  are  all  in  despair.  The  increase  of  intemperance, 
and  the  vices  that  proceed  from  it,  have  increased  to  such  ex- 
tent as  to  drive  all  from  the  field  of  labor,  and  the  charitable 
have  abandoned  the  masses  to  the  ruin  by  which  they  are  sur- 
rounded. To  see  the  sufferers,  many  of  them  children  of 
the  age  of  my  own,  is  more  than  my  feelings  can  endure- 
When  I  arrive  in  New  York  I  will  write  to  you,  and  I  know 
you  will  rejoice  to  hear  that  our  condition  is  essentially  better 
than  in  London.     Adieu. 

Mr.  Bright  called  to  look  at  the  Manchester.  He  walked 
around,  he  went  on  board.  He  was  mute.  Oh,  God  !  is  this 
the  condition  to  which  we  are  reduced  ?  Is  that  the  vessel  in 
which  we  are  to  leave  this  beloved  country,  this  land  of  free- 
dom, this  home  once  so  happy  and  the  abode  of  relations  and 
friends,  who  seemed  to  make  life  all  that  happy  life  can  be  ? 
Am  I  in  my  senses  ?  This  vessel  will  never  reach  America  ! 
"We  cannot  go  in  such  a  vessel ;  we  shall  all  be  lost,  I  am  sure 
we  shall.  There  are  other  vessels ;  I  will  not  risk  our  lives  in 
this.     But  where  are  we  to  get  the  money  ?     We  have  not 


174  DESPOTISM. 

the  means  of  paying  nacre  than  we  are  charged  in  the  Man- 
chester; we  must  go  in  her  or  not  go  to  America  !  But 
we  are  stealing  away  unljnown  to  all.  We  have  rich 
friends;  once  they  would  not  have  allowed  of  this.  But 
now  I  have  lost  them  all,  and  they  shall  not  know  how 
wretched  we  are.  Why  is  it  ?  Why  am  I  so  neglected  and 
80  wretched  ?  I  know  why  it  is;  it  has  come  from  my  keeping 
company  with  those  whom  I  met  at  the  sign  of  the  Robert 
Burns.'  In  that  house  was  laid  the  foundation  of  all  my 
errors.  I  will  reform.  I  will  go  to  America,  but  I  will  never 
again  visit  such  places  of  vice,  said  Mr.  Bright.  He  wiped 
away  a  tear. 

It  was  a  sleepless  night  to  Mrs.  Bright.  The  few  days  that 
she  yet  had  were  spent  in  making  some  small  preparations  for 
the  voyage.  A  few  friends  had  heard  of  their  intentions  and 
had  called,  with  true  aflfection,  to  bid  them  a  long  and  perhaps 
a  last  adieu. 

James,  here  is  the  family  Bible,  but  I  must  call  at  the  ofBce 
of  the  Bible  society  and  buy  a  Bible  for  each  of  the  children. 

Mrs.  Bright  called  at  the  office  in  Bond-street. 

Mr.  Doddridge,  I  am  going  to  America,  that  happy  land, 
and  I  have  come  to  ask  you  for  two  Bibles  for  my  children, 
said  Mrs.  Bright. 

Our  Bibles  are  for  gratuitous  distribution,  and  3'ou  will 
select  such  as  you  please.  I  am  pleased  to  learn  that  you 
are  going  to  that  prosperous  country.  There  is  no  other 
country  like  America.  They  are  at  this  moment  making 
a  great  effort  to  banish  the  vices  that  we  have  fi.Ked  forever  on 
our  soil,  and  I  have  no  doubt  they  will  succeed ;  they  are 
entirely  different  from  our  people,  and  are  not  all  victims  to 
the  habits  and  vices  that  for  years  have  crowded  our  masses 
to  the  earth.  In  the  city  of  New  York  there  is  a  Bible  society 
that  employs  more  than  three  hundred  men,  printing  and  bind- 
ing Bibles;  and  in  such  a  city,  I  am  sure  they  will  have  virtue 


DESPOTISM.  17  J 

e-nough  to  banish  the  stores  that  sell  spirits,  and  cause,  every- 
where, so  much  misery,  said  Mr.  Doddridge. 

Mr.  Doddridge,  will  you  oblige  nie  so  much  as  to  have 
written  in  this  Bible  the  name  of  John  Bright,  from  Ms 
mother,  and  in  this  Isabella  Bright,  from  her  mother,  said 
Mrs.  Bright. 

Mrs.  Bright,  the  similarity  of  our  pursuits  have  brought  us 
together  often,  and  I  know  something  of  the  qualities  that  you 
possess,  and  the  sentiments  that  have  always  governed  your 
life.  I  need  not  say  that  I  entertain  for  you  no  ordinary 
respect.  In  that  land  of  temperance,  I  am  sure  you  will  fin  1 
congenial  minds,  and  with  such  persons  you  will  form  friend- 
ships that  will  add  to  the  enjoyments  of  life.  Here  is  a  letter 
to  Mr.  Phelps,  a  valued  friend  of  mine,  that  may  be  of  servieo 
to  you  in  a  land  of  strangers.  I  wish  you  all  the  happiness 
that  3'our  most  sanguine  hopes  have  promised  said  Mr. 
Doddridge. 

For  3'our  kind  wishes,  and  for  the  Bibles  I  thank  you. 
This  letter,  I  am  sui*e,  will  be  of  great  value  to  me,  and  I  shall 
acknowledge  your  kindness  by  letter  soon  after  my  arrival  in 
New  York. 

The  last  preparation  was  finished,  the  last  kind  words  were 
exchanged,  the  last  kind  kisses  were  on  their  lips !  They 
were  on  board  the  Manchester  ! 

The  Manchester  sailed.  But  she  moved  a-s  if  loaded  beyond 
her  power  to  float.  She  lay  like  a  log — imd  a  more  wretched 
company  was  never  crowded  into  any  vessel.  The  pilot  took 
her  through  a  wrong  channel,  where  she  touched  a  rock  or  a 
sunken  Vv'reck,  and  was  detained  for  repairs.  The  Captain 
was  evidently  uneasy,  as  he  had  not  properly  trimmed  his  ship. 
She  was  too  deep  at  the  bows,  and  she  rolled  and  was  in  duu- 
ger,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bright  and  the  children  were  all  sick  on 
the  second  day.  They  were  crowded  into  a  dark  hole,  with 
one  quarter  more   passengers  than  there   should    have   been 


176  DESPOTISM. 

There  was  no  fire,  no  stove,  and  no  opportunity  for  washing, 
except  in  the  ocean.  There  was  no  ventilation — the  atmo- 
pphere  in  which  they  were  confined  was  the  stench  of  death  ! 

I  shall  die  !  I  cannot  sleep  !  I  cannot  eat !  I  must  die  I 
I  can  never  live  to  reach  that  glorious  country  \  My  strength 
is  nearly  gone  !  I  am  feverish  !  I  am  frozen !  There  is  no 
fire — there  will  be  no  fire  !  Why  did  I  ctiroe  in  such  a  vessel  t 
O,  death  !  If  it  were  not  for  you,  my  husband,  and  these  dar- 
ling children,  how  sweet  it  would  be  to  yield  up  this  life  into 
the  hands  of  Him  who  gave  it,  said  Mrs.  Bright. 

A  flood  of  tears  each  day  relieved  a  heart  already  stricken 
too  much  for  life.  After  a  few  days'  sail,  a  sea  struck  the 
Manchester,  and  swept  the  deck.  The  wind  increased,  and  it 
seemed  as  if  the  vessel  could  make  no  headway.  Consterna- 
tion was  seen  in  the  faces  of  all.  She  rolled  as  if  she  must  go 
over !  They  took  in  sail,  and  were  some  days  in  repairing 
damages.  The  vi'eather  continued  tempestuous,  and  the  wind 
was  ahead.  The  ship  tossed  from  wave  to  wave,  her  seams 
groaned  and  creaked,  as  if  she  would  strain  ta  pieces  I  The 
wind  increased  !  A  sail  is  gone  !  was  the  alarming  cry.  We 
are  between  two  billows,  mountain  high  !  Look  !  That  aw- 
ful wave  is  coming  on  us  !  0,  hear  the  wind  !  It  is  the  knell 
of  death  !  Who  can  be  heard  ?  The  roar  is  awful !  The 
ship  is  leaking  !  the  ship  is  leaking  !  was  the  cry  from  below. 

We  are  sinking  !  said  Mr.  Bright. 

The  vessel  rose  again,  but  the  deck  was  half  under  water. 

Captain,  are  we  safe  ?  asked  Mr.  Bright. 

One  more  such  a  sea  will  be  our  last !  The  Manchester  was 
on  her  beam  ends,  and  a  miracle  saved  us,  said  the  Captain. 

The  storm  continued,  and  the  whole  vessel  was  a  scene  of 
wretchedness. 

Here  is  an  awful  death  !  See,  this  child  is  dead  I  It  was 
well  this  morning,  said  a  passenger. 

Is   it  the  cholera?     It   must   be,  said  all  the   passengers. 


DESPOTISM.  177 

Shall  we  all  die  ?  Who  has  any  medicine  ?  "Where  is  the 
doctor  ?     Who  will  take  care  of  the  sick  ? 

No  one  !  was  the  response  that  came  from  hundreds  of  sor 
rowful  hearts. 

Are  we  all  to  die,  and  have  no  efibrt  made  to  save  our  lives  ? 
Captain,  what  shall  we  do  ?  asked  Mr.  Bright. 

What  shall  you  do?  Why,  die,  of  course!  AVho  cares 
how  many  die  ?  The  more  the  better  !  I  have  seventy-five 
more  passengers  than  the  law  allows,  said  the  Captain. 

Is  there  no  nurse,  no  physician,  no  medicine,  no  hope,  no 
consolation  in  this  our  deep  distress  ?  I  did  not  think  of 
this !     I  cannot  live — I  do  not  wish  to  live,  said  Mr.  Bright. 

Go  upon  the  deck,  you  stupid  clown  1  What  are  you 
mourning  about  ?  asked  the  Captain. 

Do  sen!l  up  that  medicine  chest  from  the  cabin !  I  have 
seen  it!  There  is  some  drug  that  will  smoothe  the  way  to 
death,  if  it  will  not  cure,  said  Mr.  Bright. 

You  shall  have  no  medicine  !  Throw  all  the  bodies  over  as 
soon  as  they  are  done  breathing !  Steward,  you  need  not 
wait  to  roll  them  in  canvass,  said  the  Captain. 

Yesterday  five  died — to-day  ten  have  died  !  0,  merciful 
Heaven  !  shall  we  all  die  ?  asked  Mr.  Bright. 

What  if  you  do — who  cares  ?  asked  the  Captain. 

Captain,  can  we  be  allowed  to  have  a  little  warm  water  ? 
The  children  require  it,  and  the  steward  refuses  us  the  small- 
est quantity,  said  Mr.  Bright. 

No,  you  can  have  no  warm  water.  If  you  want  water,  dip 
it  from  the  ocean — there  you  will  find  enough  !  Where  you 
are  going,  neither  warm  nor  cold  water  will  put  out  the  fire, 
said  the  humane  Captain. 

O  Heaven  !  Twenty  more  have  died  !  My  turn  is  near, 
said  Mrs.  Bright. 

Steward,  you  must  throw  them  over  faster — you  must  not 
wait  for  them  all  to  be  cold  !  This  man  is  nearly  done  breath- 
7* 


178  DESPOTISM. 

ing — he  is  in  his  last  agony — a  collapse  has  commenced — he 
may  as  well  be  thrown  over !  Bring  out  all  the  sick  ones — 
none  will  live — place  them  all  in  a  row  on  the  deck,  ready  to 
be  thrown  over,  said  the  captain. 

Captain,  shall  I  clean  up  below  ?  The  steerage  is  m  a  con- 
dition too  foul  for  human  beings  to  breathe,  and  I  am  sure  all 
will  die,  said  the  steward. 

Not  in  the  least !  There  will  not  be  many  left  by  the  time 
we  arrive.  Leave  the  clearing  up  till  we  get  rid  of  the  cat- 
tle, said  the  captain. 

James,  I  know  my  time  is  near — I  must  go  soon  !  This 
pain  tells  me  too  plainly  what  my  disorder  is,  and  what  its  ter- 
mination will  be.  The  worst  of  all  disorders  will  soon  be 
fixed  upon  this  heart !  I  have  no  desire  to  live,  except  for  you 
and  these  dear  children.  My  spirits  and  my  life  afe  ebbing 
fast,  said  Mrs.  Bright. 

Take  in  that  sail — five  knots  is  fast  enough,  said  the  cap- 
tain. 

James,  when  I  am  gone,  will  you  take  care  of  John  and  Isa- 
bella ?  I  need  not  ask — I  know  you  will.  I  did  not  think  of 
death  so  soon  !  It  seems  but  yesterday  that  we  bowed  at  the 
matrimonial  altar,  and  the  prospect  of  a  happy  life  to  none 
could  be  more  certain.  You  had  just  commenced  the  prac- 
tice of  the  law,  your  father  was  rich,  and  my  relatives  were 
wealthy,  talented,  and  in  the  very  highest  circles.  Can  I  die, 
and  leave  all  that  was  once  so  bright  and  promit^ing  ?  These 
lovely  children,  too  I  They  were  given  us  to  make  more  per- 
fect life's  purest  joys  !  I  am  soon  to  take  leave  of  all  on  earth, 
and  it  is  hard  to  part  from  scenes  tliat  should  have  been  so 
lovely.  I  did  hope  that  in  the  great  country  beyond  the  sea, 
we  were  yet  to  retrieve  our  losses,  and  again  claim  our  rank  in 
society.  But  it  is  ordered  otherwise,  and  I  submit  to  the  de- 
cree of  Heaven.     This  disorder  has  reached  my  heart,  and  my 


DESPOTISM.  179 

strength  now  is  failing.  Before  I  go  I  must  ask — and  I  know 
you  will  promise,  that  you  will  never  more  renew  j^our  acquain- 
tance with  those  who  have  brought  us  here.  O,  this  pain  !  I 
shall  die  !     I  cannot  long  survive  ! 

One  half  your  early  friends  are  now  occupying  places  of 
great  respectability,  and  are  rapidly  acquiring  the  fortunes 
that  will  enable  them  to  live  in  elegance,  if  not  in  splendor. 
The  other  half  are  rapidly  descending  to  that  condition, 
from  which  there  is  no  escape  but  disgraceful  death.  All 
that  we  now  see  before  our  eyes  was  plainly  seen  as 
an  unavoidable  result.  In  these,  my  last  moments,  I  am 
unwilling  to  censure  you;  but  how  often  have  we  talked  of 
the  lives  of  those  to  whose  companionship  all  our  misfortunes 
are  to  be  traced.  Virtue  cannot  exist  without  temperance, 
and  life  cannot  be  happy  without  virtue.  No  law  of  our 
nature  is  more  fixed  than  the  law  that  virtuous  life  bestows 
perfect  enjoyment,  and  a  neglect  of  duty,  leads  unavoidably  to 
degradation  and  an  early  grave.  These  children  are  the  most 
lovely  that  ever  blessed  parents'  hearts  !  Who  shall  guide 
them  in  the  ways  of  virtue?  You  need  not  tell  me  that  some 
kind  hand  will  be  extended  to  lead  them  up  to  all  that  life 
and  love,  and  hope  could  ask  !  It  cannot  be ;  it  is  to  ruin,  to 
disgrace,  to  early  death,  they  must  descend  !  Their  talents 
and  their  beauty  entitle  them  to  God's  highest  blessings ;  to 
a  life  all  joy,  and  an  acceptance  hereafter.  But  Providence 
acts  through  human,  agencies,  our  errors  have  cut  them  off 
forever.  None  but  parents  can  train  children  to  virtue  and  to 
happiness.  Without  parents,  their  minds  are  uncultivated,  and 
virtue  has  no  existence.  The  broad  stream  of  evil  influences 
sweeps  past  and  they  yield,  and  happiness  and  purity  of  life 
are  wrecked  ;  the  fate  of  one,  is  the  fate  of  all  who  are  left, 
thus  unprotected.  I  cannot  leave  John  and  Isabella  alone  in 
horrid  desolation.    I  can  see  them,  in  imagination,  surrounded 


180  DESPOTISM-. 

by  all  the  difficulties  that  make  life  miserable.  Oh  ?  that 
I  could  take  them  with  me.  There  is  no  pain  in  death  !  It 
is  the  thought  of  those  we  leave  that  inflicts  the  deepest  pang. 
We  know  that  we  shall  live  again,  if  our  lives  are  guided  by 
virtue  or  religion.  Oh  !  could  we  only  know  that  our  errors 
Avould  not  fall  on  those  we  love.  Was  it  for  sufferings  like- 
ours  that  lives  of  innocence  were  placed  in  our  care?  I  know 
they  were  not.  I  know  that  John  and  Isabella  should  have 
been  placed  in  scenes  of  purity  and  innocence,  where  every 
virtue  would  have  adorned  minds  of  unusu-al  brilliancy. 
And  yet,  I  fear  that  our  own  conduct  has  placed  them  amid 
influences  that  will  ruin  them.  To  save  a  life  from  degradation  ? 
Can  any  thought,  can  any  hope  in  life's  last  moments,  be 
more  inspiring  ?  What  is  great  ?  What  is  glorious  ?  What 
in  life  is  so  ennobling  ?  Who  will  not  help  to  save  the  love- 
liest image  that  goodness  ever  called  its  own  ? 

Oh,  that  I  could  believe  that  some  hand  of  mercy  will  take 
these  children,  and  lead  them  upward  in  innocence,  in  virtue, 
to  happiness  ami  Heaven  ;  then  could  I  die  in  peace  !  There 
are  no  kind  ladies  in  America  to  save  so  many  little  sufferers. 
They  will  all  die  in  deepest  desolation  !  My  strength  now  is 
failing — my  last  thoughts,  my  last  prayers,  are  for  you,  James, 
and  these  lovely  children.  Have  I,.  James,  dons  my  duty 
to  these  children  ?  Have  I  done  ray  duty  to  all,  so  far  as  I 
knew  how  to  perform  it  ?  Do  you  think  some  kind  lady  will 
take  care  of  Isabella  and  John  ? 

Mr.  Bright  was  deeply  affected  t 

John,  come  to  mother  1  Will  you  be  good  when  I  am 
gone  ? 

I  will  go  with  you,  mother  ! 

Kiss  me,  John  !  Kiss  me,  Isabella  f  Again  f  You  cannot 
go  with  me,  but  you  shall  both  come  to  me,  and  we  will  eves- 
live  with  our  Creator  I 


DESPOTISM.  181 

Mrs.  Bright  was  exhausted.  She  fainted  !  She  attempted 
to  speak — her  lips  moved,  but  no  voice  was  heard  ! 

She  died  ! 

Oh  God  !  She  is  not  dead  1  She  is,  she  is  !  Why  am  I 
left?  My  heart  is  bursting  !  Captain,  you  will  not  commit 
this  form,  once  so  lovely,  to  the  ocean,  without  Christian 
rites  !  I  know  you  will  not  !  You  are  not  without  human 
feelings,  said  Mr.  Bright. 

I  will  give  you  one  hour  for  preparation,  said  the  captain. 

She  will  never  breathe  again  !  Thy  life,  thy  love,  thy  vir- 
tues, are  ended  here  !  Oh  God,  we  thank  thee  for  all  that  a 
pure  life  has  taught !  Take,  oh  take  to  thyself,  a  spirit  all 
love,  all  beauty,  all  heavenly  graces  !  To  the  ocean  wave, 
the  boundless  image  of  thy  unmeasured  goodness,  we  here 
commit  this  form  ! 

Too  pure  for  earth,  her  spirit  has  winged  its  way  to  thee. 
From  thee  it  came — to  thee  it  has  returned  ;  with  thee  it  will 
ever  live.  A  spirit  from  Heaven  was  clothed  in  human  form; 
in  Heaven  it  will  but  change  its  own  form,  and  take  thy  own 
image.  All  that  was  mortal,  we  have  committed  to  the  wa- 
ters by  thee  created.  Buried  deep  in  caverns  of  thy 
ocean,  no  human  eye  will  ever  reach  that  form  !  The  eye  of 
Omnipotence  will  ever  look  down  on  all  in  mercy.  All  the 
created  world  is  thine,  and  thy  omnipresence  is  here  and  every 
where !  With  deep  contrition  here  we  kneel !  Sustain  us,  O 
sustain  us,  or  we  die  m  deepest  suffering  !  We  bow  in  hum- 
ble adoration  to  thy  will  !  To  thee  alone  we  look — as  thou 
wilt,  we  live  or  die  ! 

All  who  witnessed  this  melancholy  scene  were  in  deepest 
sorrow.  Who  will  next  be  called  ?  I  too  shall  soon  sink  be- 
neath the  wave  that  will  forever  hide  me,  was  the  response  of 
every  heart. 

Poor  Mr.  Bright's  heart  was  broken.  Each  day  some  fa- 
miliar face  and  form  was  consigned  to  that  grave,  which  of  all 


182  DESPOTISM. 

others  must  most  appall  the  heart !  Who  will  survive  ?  Will 
this  voyage  be  ever  ended  ? 

The  Manchester  arrived  at  quarantine. 

Captain,  can  I  be  allowed  a  little  help  to  get  my  trunks 
from  below  ?  asked  Mr.  Bright. 

You  need  not  be  in  a  hurry.  We  are  at  quarantine,  and 
shall  not  go  up  to  the  city  for  thirty  days,  nor  till  we  get  ano- 
ther voyage  engaged  for  the  vessel,  and  it  may  be  sixty  days, 
said  the  captain. 

My  spirits  are  fast  sinking.  I  know  that  I  shall  soon  fol- 
low my  Isabella,  and  I  wish  to  go.  Captain,  1  have  eaten 
nothing,  and  the  children  have  had  nothing  for  two  days.  Can 
you  allow  us  to  have  a  little  broth,  to  keep  us  alive  ?  asked 
Mr.  Bright. 

If  you  live  till  you  get  anything  from  me  to  eat,  you  need 
not  fear  that  you  will  ever  die.     What  business  have  you  to 

ask  me  for  anything  to  eat,  you  miserable  outlandish ? 

asked  the  captain. 

In  thirty  days  a  boat  was  seen  approaching  the  Manchester. 

Get  into  that  boat,  every  one  of  you.  I  will  give  you  thirty 
minutes  to  move  your  plunder,  and  if  any  of  you  are  not  ready 
in  that  time,  you  may  get  up  to  the  city  as  you  can,  said  the 
captain. 

The  boat  arrived  at  the  wharf.  The  scene  before  Mr. 
Bright  demanded  all  the  energy  that  he  could  summon.  It 
was  enough  to  appall  a  stout  heart.  An  immense  pile  of  trunks, 
boxes,  beds  and  barrels  were  just  on  the  edge  of  the  pier,  and 
ready  to  fall  into  the  water.  Give  me  two  dollars  for  bring- 
ing up  your  baggage,  said  a  rough-looking  character. 

How  is  this  ?  My  receipt  says,  to  be  delivered  in  New 
York,  said  Mr.  Bright. 

Give  me  two  dollars,  or  all  your  baggage  goes  into  the  wa- 
ter, said  the  man. 

Mr.  Bright  paid. 


DESPOTISM  183 

Where  are  my  children  ?  Have  you  seen  my  children  ?  I 
have  lost  my  children !  said  Mr.  Bright. 

They  were  found  at  some  distance,  in  the  street. 

What  can  I  do  ?  Where  can  I  get  rooms  ?  0  Heaven, 
my  heart  is  sinking  !  If  I  could  only  see  one  friendly  hand 
extended,  in  this  my  deepest  distress,  it  would  remove  this 
load  from  my  heart !  I  can  get  no  house,  or  part  of  a  house, 
and  I  have  no  place  to  cover  my  head,  or  in  which  my  child- 
ren can  have  the  rest  their  exhausted  condition  so  much  de- 
mands, said  Mr.  Bright. 

If  you  will  give  me  three  dollars  in  advance,  you  may  put 
your  trunks  into  my  room  for  two  days,  said  a  rough-looking 
Catholic  cut-throat. 

I  can  do  no  better.     Here  is  your  money,  said  Mr.  Bright. 

They  were  shown  to  a  small  attic.  They  looked  around. 
It  is  full  of  vermin  !  Are  these  the  bedfellows  that  misery 
brings  to  men? 

Darlings,  you  cannot  remove  your  clothes.  Lie  down  and 
see  if  you  can  sleep,  said  Mr.  Bright. 

Exhausted  nature  claimed  repose.  They  slept — they  slept 
sweetly. 

It  was  midnight,  and  the  great  orb  of  heaven  was  shining 
down.  The  world  was  rejoicing  in  Nature's  sweet  restorer, 
balmy  sleep.  All  was  still.  A  muffled  form  appears  1  Ano- 
ther comes  !     The  door  opened  softly. 

This  is  not  the  man,  said  McFlippin. 

I  tell  you  it  is,  said  McQiiirk. 

How  do  you  know  1  asked  McFlippin. 

I  saw  the  money  when  he  paid  me  the  three  dollars.  He 
had  good  clothes,  and  Nick  watched  him  at  the  quarantine. 
He  swears  that  he  is  the  man.  You  see  he  has  a  Bible  in  his 
•pock  et,  said  McQuirk. 

How  shall  I  dispatch  him  ?  Have  you  the  dagger  ?  asked 
McFiippin. 


184  DESPOTISM. 

Here  it  is,  said  McQuirk. 

Shall  I  kill  the  children  too  ?  asked  McFlippin. 

Dead  men  tell  no  tales,  said  ^IcQuirk. 

That  boy  is  laugning  at  me  in  his  sleep !  I  cannot  strike  ! 
You  must  take  the  dagger  I  There,  strike  now !  Did  you 
hear  a  noise  ?  asked  McFlippen, 

Tliere  are  footsteps  !  Hark  !  See  who  that  is  !  We  must 
wait  till  to-morrow,  said  McQuirk. 

The  muriiing  came.  Mr.  Bright  walked  out  alive!  He 
walked  toward  the  Hudson. 

Where  shall  I  go  ?  Was  ever  man  so  distressed  as  I  am  ? 
0  that  I  could  be  with  ray  departed  Isabella  !  She  was  a 
Christian.  O  that  I  were !  She  is  happy — I  will  join  her  ! 
No,  I  will  not !  I  have  two  children — I  will  not  leave  them, 
in  horrid  desolation  to  suffer  and  die  I  Here  is  a  store — I 
will  just  look  in.  You  do  not  keep  spirits  ?  If  you  do,  I 
cannot  stop  here.  Why,  here  is  a  face  that  I  have  seen 
before!  Have  I  not  seen  you  some  where?  asked  Mr. 
Bright, 

You  have.  I  know  you  w'ell — you  are  my  old  acquaintance. 
Come  in  here — let  us  take  a  drink,  said  McQuirk. 

I  never  do  that.  I  will  walk  away.  Where  shall  I  go  ? 
The  world  is  dark.  I  will  walk  on  the  banks  of  this  lovely 
river.  Happy,  happy  men  who  live  with  their  beloved  wives 
and  children  in  this  pure  and  happy  country.  I  know  there  is 
virtue  here,  all  things  look  so  lovely.  I  wish  I  had  been 
born  here — I  should  not  then  have  known  the  "  Robert 
Burns,"  and  the  persons  in  the  "  Robert  Burns "  would  not 
have  known  me;  I  should  now  have  been  living  with  my  be- 
loved Isabella.  But  all  is  dark — it  is  now  too  late  for  refor- 
mation !  My  Isabella  is  gone,  and  I  wish  to  go  to  her,  and 
end  my  suffei'ing.  0  that  I  were  dead  !  This  aching  heart- 
will  burst ! 

Have  I  a  right  to  take  my  own  life  ?     The  thought  is  too 


DESPOTISM.  1 35 

painful  to  be  endured  !  But  life  is  worse  !  I  have  a  right, 
for  no  one  can  prevent  it,  and  I  will  do  it !  But  let  me  reflect 
a  moment.  The  world,  and  all  created  things,  were  made  for 
man  by  a  kind  Providence.  Then  why  was  not  man  made  for 
virtue,  and  the  enjoyment  of  all  that  in  life  is  so  bright  and 
beautiful  ?  He  was,  I  knoio  he  was.  But  to  retain  his  vir- 
tue and  his  power  to  enjoy  life,  is  the  great  difficulty,  sur- 
rounded as  we  are  by  the  bad  influences  that  vice  and  vicious 
men  place  around  us.  I  have  lost  my  power  over  myself,  and 
shall  end  my  troubles  here  !  This  liquid  will  end  all  sufl'ering, 
and  I  go  to  join  my  Isabella  !  But  how  can  I  join  my  Isa- 
bella, if  there  is  no  life  to  come?  And  if  there  is  a  life  to 
come,  may  there  not  be  both  happy  and  miserable  beings,  as 
there  are  in  this  world  ?  If  there  are  two  conditions — and 
who  can  doubt  it  ? — some  preparation  may  be  well !  I  am 
not  certain  that  I  am  prepared,  but  my  energy  and  my  enjoy- 
ment are  gone,  and  I  wish  to  go  !  This  phial  will  cure  all  my 
ills,  or  it  will  place  me  beyond  the  power  to  cure  the  ills  of 
either  life  !  The  world  exists  forever — why  should  not  my  in- 
tellect? A  power  created  and  sustains  the  world.  A  power 
originally  created  the  intellect,  and  now  controls  it.  The 
power  and  the  intellect  came  from  the  same  hand,  and  are 
clearly  the  same  that  created  the  world.  That  power  could 
be  no  other  than  the  Deity  1  I  am  in  doubt  who  most  offends 
a  just  Deity — the  men  who  set  snares  for  my  weak  mind,  by 
influences  most  foul,  or  I  who  yielded  thoughtlessly  to  the  vices 
that  most  easily  destroyed  me.  It  is  the  pestilential  atmo- 
sphere placed  by  bad  influences  around  us,  that  most  exposes 
and  then  degrades  man  !  I  shall  be  forgiven  !  I  was  the  vic- 
tim of  others'  sins  !  0  Heaven,  look  down  in  pity  and  for- 
give !  Receive,  O  receive  this  repenting  heart !  Who  knows 
the  anguish  that  is  driving  me  to  despair  ?  1  die  the  victim 
of  sins  that  taint  the  air  we  breathe,  and  ever  press  life  down- 
ward to  an  early  grave  ! 


186 


DESPOTISM. 


A  man  suddenly  appeared  and  caught  the  phial  from  Lis 
hand. 

What  means  this?  Is  it  self-destruction  that  you  meditate? 
Beware  !     After  this  there  may  be  another  life. 

Mr.  Bright  turned  upon  the  stranger  a  look  of  indignant 
contempt,  uud  walked  a  short  distance,  followed  by  this  man 
or  vision. 

You  do  not  know  me;  you  I  well  know.  You  were  a  pas- 
senger on  board  the  Manchester  from  London,  said  the 
stranger. 

!Mr.  Bright  seemed  astonished! 

Well,  wtiat  if  I  was?  asked  Mr.  Bright. 

1  knew  your  wife;  I  saw  her  when  she  engaged  her  passage. 
I  knew  her  before  you  did.  Did  she  not  write  these  poems  ? 
asked  the  stranger,  as  he  handed  a  volume,  much  worn  and 
defaced. 

She  did,  said  ^Ir.  Bright. 

I  saw  your  wife's  last  moments,  and  I  saw  j'ou  commit  the 
body  to  the  wave.  Do  you  believe  that  the  inspiration  that 
enabled  her  to  form  and  record  such  thoughts,  such  sublime 
thoughts,  as  we  read  here,  was  buried  in  the  waves,  or  does 
it  still  exist  in  the  same  etherial  form  that  gave  to  her  the 
character  of  an  angel  ?  Do  you  not  know  that  you  have 
the  same  spark  of  life  in  you,  which  thinks  and  reasons, 
in  your  lucid  moments  and  in  your  hours  of  degrada- 
tion? You  cannot  get  rid  of  the  conscience;  every  bad  act 
of  your  life  has  visited  on  you  its  own  consequences.  It 
accuses  you  this  moment,  and  you  will  have  no  peace  till  you 
reform.  The  conscience  is  an  emanation  of  the  intellect,  and 
is  independent  of  the  body,  and  will  live  as  long  as  light,  truth, 
virtue,  and  the  Deity  do  exist.  You  know  that  this  book 
exists,  for  you  see  it ;  you  know  that,  it  is   the  sure  evidence 


DESPOTISM.  187 

of  the  existence  of  the  mind  of  your  wife,  which  you  could 
not  see.  The  mind  of  your  wife  as  clearly  had  a  separate  ex- 
istence as  this  book  has.  You  cannot  be  a  materialist,  for 
you  know  that  your  wife's  mind  and  body  were  not  the  same. 
The  mind  was  not  the  body,  and  the  body  was  not  the  mind. 
The  body  is  perishable,  but  this  book  may,  and  the  mind  will, 
live  as  long  as  the  spirit  lives,  of  which' it  is  the  emanation  and 
the  sure  evidence  of  its  existence,  said  the  stranger. 

Who  are  you  that  utters  this  mysterious  language?  No  man 
speaks  in  this  manner!  said  Mr.  Bright. 

You  know  me  not,  some  other  time  you  may  know  me, 
said  the  stranger,  as  he  walked  away. 

This  is  very  strange.  He  seemed  to  know  me,  but  I  am 
sure  I  never  saw  him  !  I  could  not  be  deceived,  it  was  a 
man.  But  he  vanished !  How  could  a  man  vanish  ?  It 
could  not  have  been  a  man.  It  was  a  vision.  Yes,  it  was  a 
vision  from  the  other  world  sent  to  save  my  life.  I  remember 
now,  that  he  did  but  utter  Isabella's  sentiments.  It  was  a  spirit 
sent  by  her,  I  know  it  was.  0  !  that  I  had  lived  as  Isabella  lived. 
No  joys,  no  peace,  no  sweet  converse,  could  bestow  more  of 
life,  of  love,  or  happiness ;  it  was  all  that  life  can  give,  it  was 
life's  noblest  pleasures  here  below.  This  life  is  full  of  gush- 
ing joys  while  innocence,  and  hope,  and  faith,  and  love  claim 
all  our  mind  and  heart.  When  passions  take  the  helm,  toss- 
ed in  a  sea  of  ruin,  all  virtue,  innocence,  purit}^  and  happiness 
are  lost.  I  will  return  to  my  attic.  I  must  pass  that  shop, 
but  ]  will  not  enter  it,  said  Mr.  Bright. 

Come  in  here,  I  have  been  waiting  for  you  ;  come  in  and 
take  a  drink.  You  are  my  old  acquaintance — I  want  to  tell 
you  all  about  England.  I  have  many  friends — I  treat  them 
all — I  will  treat  you.  I  knew  you  would  come  in.  I  say. 
Bright,  what  shall  we  take,  punch  or  beer  ? — punch  is  best. 
Punch  then  it  shall  be.  Drink  that.  There,  now  you  feel 
better,  I  know  you  do.     I  say,  Bright,  it  is  of  no  use  to  pre- 


188  DESrOTISM. 

tend  to  be  virtuous  here  ;  come,  drink  again.  We  never  read 
the  book  that  we  saw  in  your  pocket  last  night,  said  Mc- 
Quirk. 

Mr.  Bright  was  astonished  ! 

I  did  not  see  you  last  night.  I  slept  soundly,  said  Mr. 
Bright. 

I  say,  Bright,  we  never  say  prayers  here — we  have  no 
troubles — we  drown  them  all ;  come  take  another  drink,  said 
McQuirk. 

I  will  just  take  a  glass  of  beer — that,  you  know,  is  not  al- 
cohol, said  Mr.  Bright. 

McFlippin,  I  say,  give  Bright  another  punch  ;  that  beer 
-will  sour  his  constitution;  I  will  pay.  There,  Bright,  shufEe 
those  cards,  said  McQuirk. 

I  never  do  that  thing,  said  Bright. 

Only  once,  that  is  nothing  you  know,  I  always  lose.  There, 
Bright,  you  have  won  my  dollar.  I  will  go  you  five  dollars  ! 
I  always  lose,  said  McQuirk. 

I  must  take  oflf  my  belt,  said  Bright. 

I  say,  Bright,  let  me  take  that  belt  in  my  hand :  it  is  beau- 
tiful ;  let  me  feel  of  it — it  looks  heavy  !  What  a  beau- 
tiful  belt   it   is  ! — did    your  wife    make  it  ?  asked  McQuirk. 

Mr.  Bright  shed  a  tear,  but  did  not  reply. 

There  must  be  some  gold  in  that  belt,  thought  McQuirk, 
as  he  handed  it  back  to  Mr.  Bright. 

Mr.  Bright  returned  to  his  miserable  attic. 

Father,  I  want  mother,  said  John.  Mr.  Bright  could  not 
speak. 

When  will  mother  come  back  ?  asked  Isabella. 

Mr.  Bright  held  his  handkerchief  to  his  face. 

At  ten  o'clock  at  night,  they  were  all  again  asleep  upon  the 
floor. 

Two  sweeter  cherub  faces  never  smiled  on  any  parent.  The 
heavy  bells  tolled  out  twelve  o'clock  ! 


DESPOTISM.  189 

Two  muffled  forms  meet  on  the  stairs  below  !  One  walks 
lightly  up  the  stairs  ! 

Come  in  and  shut  the  door  !  Are  they  all  asleep  ?  asked 
McQuirk. 

Tliey  are,  said  McFlippin. 

Which  way  are  the  faces  of  the  children  ?  asked  McQuirk. 

To  the  wall ;  did  you  see  the  gold  ?  asked  McFlippin. 

I  had  it  in  my  hands,  said  McQuirk. 

Have  you  the  chloroform  ?  asked  McFlippin. 

Here  it  is,  said  McQuirk. 

Pour  it  on  this  handkerchief — pour  it  all.  Do  you  hear  a 
noise  ?  asked  McFlippin. 

They  have  not  moved ;  now  is  your  time — now  you  have 
them,  said  McQuirk. 

All  was  still  as  death  ! 

The  gold  is  safe  in  my  pocket,  said  McFlippin. 

This  was  the  roll  of  sovereigns  presented  by  Mr.  Caxton. 

The  next  morning,  it  was  late  before  any  noise  was  heard 
in  the  attic. 

Nick,  they  say  a  man  has  killed  himself  in  our  attic  !  Will 
you  see  if  ne  is  dead  ?  asked  McFlippin. 

Nick  visited  the  attic. 

He  is  cold  and  stiff,  said  Nick. 

A  word  in  your  ear,  Nick.  Five  dollars,  you  know  ! 
Here  is  a  sack,  and  at  twelve  o'clock  to-night  it  is  high  water! 
Do  you  understand  ?  asked  McFlippin. 

I  guess  I  do — I  have  done  some  of  this  business  before. — 
You  will  stand  by  me  if  I  get  caught  ?  asked  Nick. 

That  I  swear  on  the  Catholic  bible,  said  McFlippin. 

Who  pays  the  priest  for  confession  ?  asked  Nick. 

I  pay  by  the  season,  but  I  do  not  tell  him  all.  Keep  the 
door  shut — the  children  will  make  a  noise,  and  if  the  coroner 
comes  he  will  question  us,  and  we  may  be  nabbed,  said  Mc- 
Flippin. 


190  DESPOTISM. 

I  will  tell  you  what  it  is.  I  do  not  like  this  business  !  I 
could  do  it  once  in  a  week,  but  when  you  come  to  two  or 
three  times,  I  want  you  to  get  another  man  !  I  have  no  ob- 
jfclions  to  rob  every  night,  but  killing  is  another  thing  !  These 
lawyers  want  too  much  to  get  a  fellow  off!  I  have  been 
caught  five  times  robbing,  but  I  was  never  convicted  yet,  and 
I  never  shall  be  ;  but  if  we  are  caught  murdering,  we  must 
raise  one  hundred  dollars,  or  swing,  said  Nick. 

Mr.  Hays,  a  merchant  doing  business  near  McFlippin, 
heard  there  was  something  suspicious  in  McFlippin's  house, 
and  called  in. 

I  say,  Mcrii})pin,  have  you  any  dead  men  in  your  house  ? 
asked  Mr.  Hays. 

They  say  a  man  killed  himself  in  our  house  last  night,  said 
McFiippin. 

It  is  now  twelve  o'clock  !  I  will  give  you  two  hours  to  ob- 
tain a  coroner,  and  if  he  is  not  in  3'our  house  in  that  time,  I 
will  have  you  indicted  for  murder  !  You  know,  you  Catholic 
cut-throat,  that  you  have  killed  numy  a  man,  and  have  thrown 
him  into  the  dock  !  This  slaughter-house  of  yours  has  been 
watched  by  our  new  Mayor,  and  it  is  ascertained  that  you 
have  been  at  this  business  for  years  !  Dozens  have  gone  into 
your  house  who  never  came  out  alive,  and  there  is  a  place 
like  yours  in  every  street  where  emigrants  and  travelers  take 
lodgings  !  Do  you  kill  all,  or  spare  your  brother  Catholics  ? 
asked  Mr.  Hay.-s. 

Mr.  Hays,  will  you  just  step  aside  ?  I  have  something  pri- 
vate to  say  to  you.  I  must  admit  that  there  are  some  bad 
men  about  these  streets,  but  I  am  a  respectable  man,  and  ho- 
nest. If  you  will  go  with  me  to-night  I  will  show  you  some  men 
who  are  not  so  respectable  citizens  as  I  am,  said  McFiippin. 

JNtcFlippin,  if  I  am  to  follow  you  through  your  dens  of 
vice,  I  shall  take  my  pistols,  said  Mr.  Hays. 

I  hope  3'ou  will  not  mention  my  name  to  any  person  in  con- 


DESPOTISM.  191 

nection  with  this  unpleasant  business,  for  if  it  is  known  that  I 
am  showing  you  the  "  Christiuns,"  they  may  kill  us  both.  If  I 
show  you  some  of  them,  I  shall  depend  on  your  honor.     Will 

you  meet  me  at  eleven  o'clock  at  No.    29   street  ?  asked 

McFlippin. 

Show  me  what  you  have  seen,  and  tell  me  all  that  you  know 
of  these  dens  of  vice,  and  I  will  consider  well  your  claim  on 
me,  said  Mr.  Hays. 

They  separated.  At  eleven  o'clock  they  met  on  the  side- 
walk at  No.  29  street. 

Now  you  must  express  no  surprise,  and  must  not  lose 
your  self  possession,  even  if  you  have  a  knife  at  your  throat, 
and  a  pistol  at  your  breast  !  Keep  cool — leave  me  to  con- 
verse with  all — and  I  will,  I  think,  bring  you  out  alive,  said 
McFlippin. 

You  think  you  will  bring  me  out  alive  !  If  any  man  in- 
jures me  I  will  shoot  you  instantly,  said  Mr.  Hays. 

If  you  have  not  strong  nerves,  and  entire  confidence  in  me, 
you  had  better  not  go  in,  said  McFlipijin. 

I  would  go  in  if  Beelzebub  were  standing  guard  !  Go 
ahead  !  I  have  two  of  Colt's  revolvers,  both  loaded  with 
two  balls  in  each  barrel,  said  Hays. 

They  entered. 

Pass  down  the  stairs.  Here  I  am  in  trouble.  I  find  my 
keys  do  not  fit — the  Governor  of  the  "  Christians"  must  have 
put  on  a  new  lock.  The  new  Mayor  and  the  Know  Nothings 
are  a  troublesome  set  of  fellows.  We  had  no  diflficulty  with 
the  old  police,  for  one  half  of  them  belonged  to  our  society — 
and  we  paid  the  others  by  the  year.  I  have  opened  the  door. 
Walk  through  the  passage,  but  make  no  noise.  I  shall  have 
some  diificulty  here  again.  This  is  an  extra  door,  and  has 
been  recently  made  for  greater  safety.  I  have  this  bunch  of 
keys,  but  I  do  not  know  which  one  opens  the  door  !  I  have 
Kucceeded.  Now  it  opens ;  we  enter  here.    Now  take  this  lad- 


192  DESPOTISM 

der,  and  drop  it  down  this  scuttle,  while  I  hold  it  open,  said 
McFlippin, 

What  horrible  noise  is  that  ?  Is  it  made  by  man,  or  by 
fiends  ?  asked  Hays. 

You  will  know  soon,  said  McFlippin. 

How  many  rooms  are  there  here  ?  It  is  a  little  world,  said 
Mr.  Hays. 

There  are  one  hundred  and  fifty  rooms  connected,  and 
there  are  lodgers  in  them  all,  said  McFlippin. 

In  how  many  rooms  are  spirits  sold  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

Nearly  all,  said  McFlippin. 

How  many  persons  are  there  in  these  dens  ?  asked  Mr. 
Hays. 

There  may  be  from  sixteen  to  eighteen  hundred  persons,  in- 
cluding women.  Look  in  at  the  door,  but  do  not  go  in  yet 
"What  do  you  see  ?  asked  McFlippin. 

I  see  a  crowd  of  men  with  awful  faces,  and  false  whiskers, 
and  black  patches  !  The  sight  is  frightful  !  They  are  hump- 
backed, one  eyed,  and  one-legged  !  The  sight  is  most  horrid  ! 
Do  they  murder?  Oh  this  smell  !  I  am  sick.  I  cannot  look 
on  such  fiendish  sights.  They  are  too  horrible  for  man  to  gaze 
upon,  said  Mr.  Hays. 

They  are  playing  cards,  and  all  games  for  money,  said  Mc- 
Flippin. 

Will  they  see  us  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

They  all  know  me,  said  JNIcFlippin. 

See,  there  are  men  loading  guns  and  pistols,  and  sharpening 
knives  !  Are  they  going  out  to  murder  and  rob  ?  asked  Hays. 

They  are.  One  man  has  just  returned,  and  is  showing  a 
pocket-book  which  he  must  have  stolen.  These  men 
are  not  the  worst  class.  The  females  you  see  are  better 
dressed,  and  rob  in  stages  and  cars,  but  pass  for  virtuous. — 
Naw  walk  down  these  steps.  Now  follow  me  in  the  dark. 
Take  hold  of  my  hand,  and  walk  slowly.      We  are  now  deep 


DESPOTISM.  193 

under  ground,  and  at  a  great  distance  from  the  street.  Look 
now  into  those  rooms  that  you  see  are  twice  as  large  as  the 
others.  Here  are  two  hundred  rooms.  I  must  have  some  con- 
versation with  this  man  at  the  door.  Jack  Cade,  I  want  to 
pass  in  Tom  Burke — he  is  one  of  us,  said  McFlippin. 

You  cannot  go  in,  nor  can  Tom  Burke,  said  Jack  Cade. 

But  you  know  me — I  tell  you  it  is  all  right,  said  McFlip- 
pin. 

The  new  mayor  has  given  us  too  much  trouble ;  the  guards 
are  now  doubled ;  you  cannot  go  in — it  is  of  no  use — you  must 
send  for  Captain  Kidd — he  is  President  this  month  said  Jack 
Cade. 

But  I  passed  the  other  story  easily  enough,  said  Mc- 
Flippin. 

Yes,  of  course  you  did,  they   were   only   thieves;   half  of 

these   men   are    murderers,     you     know.        If    the     Mayor 

should  get  a  Know  Nothing  in  here,  he  would  hang  a  dozen 

of  us,  said  Cade. 

Send  for  Captain  Kidd,  said  MFiippin.  • 

Captain  Kidd,  this  is  Tom  Burke.  I  know  him  well — he  is 
one  of  us,  said  McFlippin. 

Pass  in.  Mack  and  Tom.  Jack,  let  these  men  pass.  I  have 
known  Mack  in  this  business  ever  since  he  came  from  Ireland, 
twenty  years  ago,  said  Captain  Kidd. 

The  miserable  Know-Nothings  have  carried  five  more  states, 
said  McFlippin. 

You  do  not  say  so  !  Our  chance  of  getting  in  Mike  for 
President  is  small.  I  wish  we  could  get  Live  Oak  and  Fil- 
more  down  here,  they  would  never  see  daylight !  Can  we  dis- 
pose of  Barker  or  Houston,  if  we  are  well  paid  ?  I  know  of  a 
man  who  will  do  it  for  five  hundred  dollars,  said  Kidd. 

What  looking  creatures  !    Are  they  men,  or  are  they  fiends  ? 
What  horrid  looking  faces  !     Shall    I   get  out  alive,  without 
their  notice  V  asked  Havs. 
9 


191  DESPOTISM. 

You  said  you  would  not  be  frightened — but  I  must  tell  3''ou 
to  keep  your  hand  on  your  revolver.  Hundreds  of  men  are 
drugged,  and  brought  down  here,  and  never  eee  dayhght 
again.    Robespierre,  I  am  looking  for  Danton,  said  McFiippin. 

Here  T  am — who  called  me  ?  were  utlered  in  tunes  that 
seemed  unearthly.     The  sound  came  from  a  huge  juask. 

Mr.  Hays  started,  as  if  shaking  with  terror. 

Danton,  where  is  jMurat  ?  asked  McFlip;)in. 

He  is  out  on  a  cribbing  excursion.  He  caught  a  flat  last 
night,  and  here  is  the  specie.  Do  you  see  the  belt  aud  the 
yellow  boys?  asked  Danton. 

Danton,  do  you  know  any  verdant  emigrants,  recently  im- 
ported ?  asked  liobespierre. 

I  guess  I  do.  One  or  two  ship  loads  arrive  every  day,  and 
we  crib  one  or  two  flats  every  night.  I  say,  Mac,  how 
many  rooms  have  you  in  yojir  house  in  which  you  can  lodge 
emigrants  ?  asked  Danton. 

Danton,  we  will  talk  about  such  business  at  my  house  not 
here,  said  ^IcFlippin. 

Mr.  Hays,  look  at  that  card-table.  Every  man  there  has 
been  at  Sing  Sing.  Two  men  were  put  in  for  highway 
robbery,  but  C — —  got  them  released  by  obtaining  a  certifi- 
cate from  the  aldermen  that  they  were  honest  men  ;  this  cer- 
tificate cost  one  hundred  dollars.  The  two  playing  cards 
together  were  caught  in  the  act  of  store-breaking,  but  the 
alderman  let  them  off  without  trial;  for  this  each  paid  fifty 
dollars.  The  man  in  front  is  Irish  Bill.  He  was  indicted, 
and  his  wife  made  a  contract  for  his  release,  and  the  miserable 
judge  did  not  keep  his  promise.  In  the  corner  is  Connelly, 
-who  keeps  out  of  sight  till  he  can  raise  the  money  charged  for 
his  release.  His  wife,  with  the  true  instinct  of  a  woman's 
nature,  has  never  deserted  him  ;  in  other  scenes  this  woman 
would  have  been  a  heroine.  The  alderman  and  judges  ask 
for  more  monev  than  she  can  raise.    In  front  are  ten  men  who 


DESPOTISfll.  195 

were  policemen  before  the  miserable  Know  Nothing  party 
troubled  us.  Twenty  in  room  number  one,  have  been  in- 
dicted for  large  and  small  offences,  but  none  of  them  were 
brought  to  trial.  You  see  Chapman  and  Finlay,  they  made  a 
good  speculation  in  the  Martha  Washington,  but  some  of  the 
lawyers  snapped  them.  Kady,  how  long  since  you  left  Sing 
Sing,  asked  McFlippen. 

Why,  McFlippin,  are  you  here  ?  Why  did  you  ask  the 
question  ;  have  you  been  to  any  whitehouse?  asked  Kady. 

No.  Kady,  you  were  fortunate  in  getting  oflF  without 
a  noose — you  know  you  killed  a  man.  Who  was  your  lawyer? 
asked  McFlippin. 

C and  B got  me  off,  said  Kady. 

You  should  have  robbed  without  killing  your  man.  How 
dared  you  kill  him  ?  Such  things  bring  us  all  into  trouble 
Baid  McFlippin. 

How  dared  I  kill  a  man  ?  Why,  that  is  nothing  !  If  I  had 
been  caught  with  a  knife  in  my  hand  and  blood  on  my  clothes 
S or  B would  get  me  off,  said  Kady. 

McFlippin,  who  are  the  worst  men  among  the  "  Christians  " 
as  you  call  them  ?  asked  Hays. 

Do  you  see  Snob  Jemison,  he  sticks  at  nothing.  He 
will  kill  a  man  for  fifty  dollars  and  trust  for  half  the  money. 
McGuire  cleans  the  guns  and  pistols  and  does  the  night  rob- 
bing. He  charges  twenty  dollars  to  rob  a  house,  and  twenty 
dollars  extra  if  he  kills  a  man.  Sturvisant  makes  the  clothes. 
Bob  Hawser  is  half  Turk,  half  Mormon.  Judge  Watchman 
is  Mayor  of  the  Hall,  he  is  to  run  against  Mayor  Wood  nest 
year.  Hartman  sweeps  out.  Bowmans  is  bottle-holder. 
Lighton  keeps  the  money,  and  is  called  rich,  but  spends  too 
much  on  elections.  Tom  Maloy  does  the  butchering.  Tom 
Hearn  does  the  shuffling,  and  is  rich.  Hall  has  been  in 
the  hands  of  the  law  often,  but  he  has  no  trouble — I  manage 
the  business — he  is  rich  and  pays  liberally.     B has  been 


196  DESPOTISM. 

indicted  frequently,  but  never  tried  ;   he  expects  an  office  from 
the  party  assisted  by  our  society.     Ryan  and  Patten    know 
something    of  Cuhill    the    police    officer,    they    are    ready    to 
pay  for  a  character.     Hatnmel  was  accused  of  taking  a  deep 
interest    in    the  Bonded  AVarehouse,  but  Mr.  C has   en- 
gaged to  clear  hini  or   have  no  pay.     Eeed,  Tuckerman,  and 
Schuyler  are  managers.     Kissam  does  the  forging.     He  is  an 
educated  man,  and  I  can  get  him  out  of  trouble  soon — he  has 
money.     Grossback  was    detected  with    one   extra  wife :  the 
judges  advised  him  to  join  the  Mormons  to  save  the  heavy  ex- 
penses, but  he  preferred  paying  largely,  to  keep  his  name  out 
of  the  papers  :  I  did  the  business.     White  borrowed  one  hun- 
dred   thousand    dollars   of  his   friends,  and   left  for  Europe 
the  same  day.     Tompkins  borrowed  one  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  dollars -and  established   a  bank,  of  which  he  is  the 
president  and  director ;  he  promises  to  pay  six  per  cent,  on 
old  debts  for  a  full  discharge.     Charles  Allen,  the  boy,  used 
to  drink  with  Quinn,  and,  by  mistake  gave  a  cut  that  may  des- 
troy life.     B.  Connor  was  a  sailor  and  was  struck  by  Cross, 
and  a  ball  was  fired  in  return.     Carnell  killed  the  father  and 
tried   to  kill    the   sons,  but  he   obtained  help   and  sent  the 
witnesses  from  the  country,  and  is  now  here.     Williams  killed 
his  wife  and  paid  for  bail,  and  the  indictment  is  old  now ;  he 
is  safe.     Shafi'enbury  killed   a  girl  whom  he  had  ruined,  but 
nobody  saw  him  ;  the  lawyer  is  to  get  him  oflF  or  have  no  pay. 
We  have  Shysters    here  every   night,  for  consultation  with 
their   clients.     Lawton   killed   a   man,  but  he  is   one  of  the 
Brother]iood,  the  alderman  has  given  him  a  character  and  he 
will  get  off  without  trial.  Eberton  shot  Geffry  ;  he  is  poor,  and 
will  be  hanged  if  he  cannot  get  one  hundred  dollars;  I  shaR 
do  all  I  can  for  him.     AVilson  was  detected  in  highway  rob- 
bery, but  he  is  a  pious  Catholic,  and  all  our  society  are  pledged 
to  assist  him,  and  I  know  how  it  can  be  done.     Churchill  took 
money  from  a  thief,  but  he  was  one  of  our  best  men,  and  will 


DESPOTISM.  197 

have  no  trouble;  he  is  rich;  I  shall  get  him  oflf.  Wilson  has 
found  two  men  to  swear  that  he  is  crazy,  and  wants  one  more, 
and  will  pay  well ;   he  has  rich  connections,  said  McFlippin, 

McFlippin,  do   you   know  anything    of  Elleo  Eogers,  the 
segar  gui  ?  asked  Hays. 

I  guess  I  do,  said  McFlippin. 

Do  you  know  anything  of  the  murder  in  Leonard-street  ? 
asked  Mr.  Hays. 

I  guess  I  do,  said  McFlippin. 

Do  you  know  anything  of  Dr.  Lightnor,  who  was  murdered 
in  Broadway  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

I  shall  not  tell  you  all  I  know,  said  McFlippin. 
Are  you  an  agent  of  all  the  Catholics  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays, 
All  who  get  into  trouble  call  on  me,  said  McFlippin. 
Then  you  are  a  general  agent  for  all  who  have  friends — you 
act   for   all  the   rogues  and  robbers;    am   T   correct?  asked 
Mr.  Hays. 

I  always  help  the  unfortunate  men.  I  have  tender  feelings, 
and  too  much  sympathy  for  their  sufferings,  said  McFlippin. 

What  does  it  cost  to  get  oflf  a  real  bad  fellow — one  who 
robs  or  sets  fire  to  houses  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

From  fifty  to  two  hundred  dollars,  but  if  the  unfortunate 
man  has  money,  the  respectable  lawyers  sometimes  charge  five 
hundred  or  one  thousand  dollars.  Men  of  character  do  not 
like  to  defend  these  men,  and  some  will  not  do  it.  The  alder- 
men charge  fifty  dollars  for  a  good  character,  and  we  have  no 
diflSculty  with  them.  I  charge  from  ten  to  fifty  dollars,  but 
the  lawyers,  judges,  and  aldermen  make  the  most  money,  said 
McFlippin. 

You  seem  to  understand  this  business.  Why  is  it  that  you 
can  do  so  much  for  your  unfortunate  countrymen  ?  asked  Mr. 
Hays. 

It  is  my  respectability  that  enables  me  to  do  so  much  for  the 
Catholics,  said  McFlippin. 


198  DESPOTISM. 

I  will  stay  no  longer,  the  air  will  make  me  sick.  I  can  see 
no  more!  It  is  too  horrible!  I  had  heard  of  these  places, 
but  I  had  not  seen  them.  We  will  return  to  the  pure  air  and 
the  light  of  the  moon.  Now  we  breathe  pure  air  again.  Will 
you  tell  me,  McFlippin,  how  it  is  that  you  and  others  obtain 
your  licences  to  sell  rum  and  keep  such  houses  as  these? 
asked  Hays. 

I  will  tell  you,  Mr.  Hays,  but  you  must  be  my  friend ;  you 
know  that  I  am  a  respectable  mau.  We  have  a  secret  society 
called  the  "  Brotherhood.''^  We  have  a  president,  directors, 
and  all  the  necessary  officers.  We  number  thousands  and 
thousands.  We  take  an  oath  to  act  with  each  other  and 
to  fight  the  Know  Nothings.  We  have  secret  signs  and 
watchwords.  We  wait  for  the  nomination  of  the  other  par- 
ties, and  then  our  respectable  men  call  upon  the  candidates  for 
aldermen,  and  for  other  offices,  and  promise  them  as  many 
votes  as  they  require  for  their  election;  but  we  require  a 
written  pledge  that  we  shall  all  be  licensed,  said  McFlippin. 
You  know  that  under  the  old  law,  no  person  could  be  licensed 
to  sell  spirits,  if  he  did  not  keep  a  tavern  with  ten  beds ;  we 
made  every  alderman  swear  to  disregard  the  law,  then  we 
agreed  to  give  him  as  many  votes  as  would  ensure  his  election, 
and  we  always  put  in  our  own  men,  said  McFlippin. 

Then  the  city  is  governed  entirely  by  men  of  your  selection, 
and  your  "  Brotherhood  "  can  put  into  power  any  man,  or  set 
of  men,  or  keep  out  of  office  any  whom  you  dislike  ?  said  Mr. 
Hays. 

No  power  can  keep  out  the  aldermen  who  go  with  us  for 
licensing  the  stores  that  we  keep,  said  McFlippin. 

McFlippin,  I  must  say  that  this  is  the  most  infamous,  most 
diabolical,  and  the  most  unaccountable  combination  of  villuny 
that  was  ever  generated  on  this  soil,  or  under  any  government. 
I  could  not  have  believed  that  such  a  nest  of  villains  could  be 
found  even  in  Catholic  Europe  !     This  exposure  will  astonish 


DESPOTISM.  199 

all  reflecting  men,  and  arouse  a  feeling  of  the  deepest  indigna- 
tion. Did  you  say  that  all  these  men  are  Catholics  ?  asked 
Mr.  Hays. 

Certainly  they  are  ;  we  admit  no  others  to  the  Brotherhood- 
When  we  rob,  or  kill  a  man,  we  go  to  the  priest  and  he  par- 
dons us  and  we  pay  for  it,  and  then  we  can  murder  and  rob 
again,  said  McFlippin. 

Horrible,  horrible  !  Were  such  things  done  in  Europe,  and 
was  your  trade  learned  there  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

We  learned  the  business  in  Europe,  but  the  watch  was 
constantly  troubling  us,  and  there  was  a  small  chance  of  escape 
if  we  committed  a  mistake.  Here  we  have  an  agreement  with 
the  police,  to  pay  a  small  sum  to  those  who  are  not  members 
of  the  Brotherhood.  If  the  policerofEcers  do  not  release  us, 
we  go  to  the  aldermen,  or  send  our  president,  and  he  gets  our 

release.     Sometimes  we  go  to  the  lawyers,  or   ,  or  some 

other  Catholic  friend,  and  they  go  to  the  aldermen  and  Judges, 
and  we  have  no  more  trouble  except  to  raise  the  money,  said 
McFlippia  t 

Do  you  mean  to  say  that  money  will  always  get  a  Catholic 
from  the  hands  of  the  law,  whatever  the  crime  may  be  ?  asked 
Hays. 

Certainly  I  do.  Do  you  suppose  we  shall  put  men  into  of- 
fice who  will  not  protect  their  best  friends  ?  We  have  one- 
third  of  the  best  offices  in  the  State,  and  in  the  United  States 
— are  we  not  men  of  some  consequence  ?  Every  man  put  in- 
to office  by  us  has  his  price,  and  we  pay  it,  and  that  ends  the 
business.  We  can  get  up  a  mob  and  burn  the  city  if  we  are 
opposed ;  infidels  and  heretics  will  never  govern  us — we  are 
not  to  be  put  down  by  the  miserable  Know  Nothings.  I  can 
give  a  signal  which  will  be  understood  by  every  Catholic  in 
the  city,  and  the  Brotherhood  can  be  assembled  at  any  place, 
in  numbers  of  from  one  to  five  thousand  persons  !  Mr.  Seward 
i&  a  good  friend  of  ours,  and  put  fifty  dollars  into  the  plate  at 


200  DESPOTISM. 

the  Cathedral — we  shall  vote  for  him.  An  editor  has  joined 
our  party,  and  will  help  us  to  overthrow  this  Know  Nothing 
Protestant  government  !  This  editor  is  a  good  friend  of 
Hughes,  and  one  of  them  will  be  made  a  cardinal.  If  this 
editor  can  inflame  the  South,  and  cause  a  separation  of  the 
States,  we  shall  soon  dispose  of  the  Know  Nothings.  A  few 
years  ago  the  editor  presided  at  a  meeting  to  which  Hughes 
was  invited,  the  whole  object  of  which  was  to  congratulate 
the  Pope  for  not  destroying  so  many  lives  as  his  predecessors. 
The  Pope  informed  him  that  they  were  mistaken  in  him — he 
would  not  yield  one  tittle  of  his  right  to  persecute.  The  edi- 
tor says  he  never  went  within  one  mile  of  an  American  Coun- 
cil, and  he  asks  nothing  of  the  Know  Nothings,  or  any  Union 
man — he  wants  no  Union.  He  goes  for  his  own  party,  or  the 
destruction  of  all  parties. 

The  Bishop  intends  to  keep  all  the  Catholics  by  themselves, 
he  does  not  allow  any  of  them  to  marry  Protestants.  He 
makes  nearly  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  every  year  by  his 
cemeteries,  and  in  addition  to  this  income,  he  charges  from 
ten  to  two  hundred  dollars  for  masses,  to  remove  a  soul  from 
purgatory.  There  are  six  thousand  stores,  nine-tenths  of 
which  are  kept  by  Catholics,  and  each  store  takes  fifty  dollars 
every  day  for  spirits,  and  this  amounts  to  one  hundred  and 
nine  millions  of  dollars  in  a  year!  The  new  Catholic  editor 
pretends  to  be  a  temperance  man,  but  that  is  all  for  effect  :  — 
tlie  Catholics,  you  know,  all  drink.  A  man  who  keeps  a  mu- 
seum has  been  black-balled  ;  the  "  Brothers"  will  have  none 
but  respectable  men  in  their  society. 

We  are  a  great  benefit  to  the  city ;  we  sell  the  spirits  which 
are  imported  by  the  rich  men  and  respectable  merchants.  I 
am  very  respectable.  I  can  control  more  votes  than  any  man 
in  the  city.  I  keep  open  doors  election  days,  and  the  Brother- 
hood pay  for  all  that  is  drank  ;  those  who  drink  pay  nothmg ! 
We  pay  the  city  for  our  licences ;  it  is  a  great  benefit  to  the 


DESPOTISM.  201 

city  for  us  to  sell  spirits ;  the  city  would  lose  a  great  deal  of 
money  if  they  were  not  to  licence  us,  you  know.  The  whole 
six  thousand  stores  are  kept  by  respectable  men,  and  all  make 
a  great  deal  of  money,  and  some  are  very  rich.  Oh,  we  make 
more  money  than  any  other  men,  why  should  we  not  keep 
stores. 

We  have  friends  coming  every  day  from  all  the  societies 
which  are  forming  in  and  around  the  city ;  they  give  us  all 
the  money  we  want,  and  we  can  get  lawyers  and  judges  to 
nullify  any  law.  One  of  the  Brotherhood  imports  one  million 
of  dollars  in  wine,  and  another  the  same  ainount  in  brandy, 
and  one  distills  nearly  one  million  of  dollars'  worth  of  alcohol 
every  year  !  I  guess  they  can  afford  to  pay  the  lawyers  and 
judges  something.  I  buy  my  brandy  for  fifty  cents  per  gal- 
lon, and  it  is  so  good,  that  when  they  drink  once,  they  always 
take  a  second  glass. 

The  Brotheriiood  meet  every  night.     We   know    all    about 

the  murders  and  robberies.     We  knew  about  before  it 

was  done,  and  we  know  who  raised  the  money  to  get  him  off 
to  the  Island.  They  all  apply  to  me.  We  can  raise  more 
money  than  the  cold  water  societies.  We  shall  dispose  of 
Carson — we  have  men  watching  him  !  Men  must  be  fools, 
to  think  six  thousand  stores  are  to  be  shut  up.  We  have  too 
much  money  and  power  for  that. 

McFlippin,  do  you  not  know  that  all  the  vices  and  suffer- 
ings of  our  great  city — drinking,  night-walking,  housebreak- 
ing, robbery,  murder,  house-burning,  and  starvation,  all  come 
from  such  places  as  yours  ?  What  motive  can  reflecting  men, 
who  are  the  m:ijority  in  our  great  city,  have  in  licensing  and 
leo-alizing  all  the  vices  which  fill  our  courts,  jails,  alms-houses, 
and  our  streets  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

I  know  that  the  Know  Nothings  say  that  drinking  is  the 
cause  of  all  the  vices,  and  I  suppose  it  is,  but  if  we  were  not 
to  sell  the  spirits  other  persons  would,  and  we  are  no  worse 
9* 


202  DESPOTISM. 

than  others ;  while  we  make  money  we  shall  always  have 
a  majority  for  the  stores,  said  McFlippin. 

Do  j-ou  know  tliat  the  alms-house  costs  this  city  one  million 
of  dollars  every  year?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

Who  oares  for  that?  We  do  not  pay  the  money,  said 
McFlippin. 

Do  you  sell  spirits  to  the  new  emigrants  in  larger  quantities 
than  they  drink  it  at  home  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

Certainly  we  do.  Many  could  not  obtain  the  money  in  Ire- 
land, but  here  they  can,  and  they  commence  drinking  the 
moment  they  arrive.  We  give  them  spirit  for  three  cents  per 
glass  that  would  cost  them  ten  cents  in  Ireland,  and  we  give 
them  as  much  tobacco  for  two  cents  as  cost  them  six  cents. 
We  make  a  great  deal  of  money  by  the  new  emigrants,  said 
McFlippin. 

Does  your  society  ever  assist  the  widows  or  the  orphans? 
asked  ^tr.  Hays. 

Never,  that  is  not  our  business ;  our  business  is  to  make 
money,  not  to  spend  it ;  we  leave  that  business  to  the  ladies 
and  to  liberal  men,  but  the  sufferings  of  the  widows  and 
orphans  are  enough  to  touch  the  hearts  of  all  who  are  com- 
pelled to  see  them  !  said  McFlippin. 

Have  your  priests  no  power  to  persuade  you  from  your 
ruinous  business  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

They  never  attempted  anything  of  the  kind.  No  Catholic 
ever  voted  for  closing  the  stores,  and  none  ever  will,  and  if  the 
laws  were  more  severe  than  they  are  we  should  never  obey 
them.  Hughes  says  he  will  have  no  laws  made  that  he  cannot 
evade  ;  he  despises  all  laws  and  law-makers,  and  he  knows 
something,  I  guess  they  will  find.  Virtue  and  temperance,  you 
know,  have  been  found  by  the  judges  to  be  unconstitutional, 
but  spirits  suit  the  constitutions  of  all  men  in  office,  and  those 
who  want  offices,  said  McFlip[»iu. 


BESPOTISM.  203 

McFlippin,  you  appear  to  be  a  man  of  education ;  do  you 
belong  to  the  Catholic  Cliurch?  asked  Hays. 

I  do,  and  am  a  leading  man,  and  associate  with  very  respect- 
able men,  I  meet  the  aldermen  every  night  at  the  City  Hall ; 
you  see  I  dress  well,  said  McFlippin. 

McFlippin,  I  must  say  that  I  am  astonished  to  find  a  man 
of  your  intellect  and  your  education  employed  as  you  are  em- 
ployed. I  did  expect  to  find  a  dull,  stupid  being  selling  rum 
and  robbing  and  murdering,  but  I  find  a  man  as  capable  of 
reflection  as  any  alderman  in  the  city.  Now,  how  am  I  to  ac- 
count for  this  strange  connection  of  vice  and  decency  ?  asked 
Mr.  Hays. 

Mr.  Hays,  I  go  to  church  twice  a  day,  I  cross  mj-self  with 
holy  water,  and  I  go  to  all  the  festivals  and  all  the  fixsts.  I 
believe  in  four  gods,  and  I  believe  that  Holy  Mary  was 
my  creator  and  the  creator  of  all  things.  I  believe  in  all  the 
saints  in  the  calendar,  and  I  am  sure  that  I  am  in  the  true 
church  ;  the  Pope  and  Bishop  Hughes  say  so.  I  went  to  a 
Catholic  school,  and  was  told  that  all  others  were  filled  with 
infidels,  and  I  believe  they  are.  I  believe  that  all  who  are 
not  members  of  the  true  church  are  heretics  and  infidels,  and 
that  God  will  destroy  them.  I  believe  that  no  men  will  go  to 
Heaven  but  Catholics,  an-d  believe  all  Catholics  will  go  to 
Heaven  if  buried  in  Bishop  Hughes'  consecrated  cemetery.  I 
believe  that  any  priest,  for  ten  dollars,  can  pray  a  soul  out  of 
purgatory  into  Heaven.  If  the  family  is  rich,  it  sometimes 
requires  fifty  to  get  a  doubtful  man  into  Heaven.  I  believe 
that  bread,  when  blessed  by  the  priest,  is  the  true  body  of  the 
Saviour,  and  if  any  man  doubts  it  he  shall  be  burnt  as  millions 
have  been.  I  believe  that  the  cross  represents  all  that  is  holy, 
and  that  all  is  holy  to  which  it  is  attached.  I  believe  that 
Bishop  Hughes  always  tells  the  truth  and  nothing  else,  and  I 
believe  that  Senator  Brooks  is  a  blackguard,  an  infidel,  and  a 
Know  Nothing.     We  like  the  "Whigs  and  the  Democrats,  and 


204  DESPOTISM. 

sell  them  their  wine  and  brandy,  but  the  Know  Nothings  we 
hate,  and  mean  to  dispose  of  a  few  of  them.  But,  you  know, 
Mr.  Hays,  that  I  am  an  honest  man,  and,  while  I  go  to  church, 
is  there  any  harm  in  robbing  infidels  and  heretics?  The  Pope 
has  destroyed  millions  of  heretics,  and  will  have  to  dispose  of 
twice  as  many  more,  before  he  gets  England  and  America  to 
join  the  true  church.  As  long  as  I  am  in  the  true  church  I 
can  do  what  I  please ;  I  shall  be  sure  to  go  to  Heaven,  said 
McFlippin. 

You  have  used  the  word  infidel  a  number  of  times  :  do  you 
mean  by  that  name  men  who  do  not  believe  any  Bible  ?  asked 
Mr.  Hays. 

We  mean  those  who  do  not  belong  to  the  Roman  Catholics^ 
said  McFlippin. 

Are  Dr.  Hawks,  Dr.  Hutton,  Dr.  Adams,  and  Dr.  Cheever, 
infidels  ?  asked  Mr.  Hays, 

Certainly  they  are ;  did  not  Bishop  Hughes  tell  the  school 
committee  that  he  had  no  respect  for  the  Protestant  Bible  ? 
asked  McFlippin. 

Why  does  Hughes  have  no  respect  for  the  Protestant  Bible, 
which  the  Protestants  regard  as  the  voice  of  Heaven  ?  asked 
Mr.  Hays. 

We  suppose  the  Protestants  have  altered  many  passages, 
said  McFlippin. 

The  Catholic  Bible  was  in  the  hands  of  the  priests  for  fitteen 
hundred  years,  and  during  the  time  the  people  had  oral  teach- 
ing only,  and  were  punished  if  a  Bible  was  found  in  their  pos- 
session. During  the  dark  ages,  not  half  the  priests  could  read 
and  write ;  do  not  Roman  Catholics  suppose  there  were  nume- 
rous errors  committed,  and  alterations  made,  to  suit  them- 
selves ?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

All  the  alterations  and  additions  were  approved  by  the 
Popes;  we  admit  they  were  numerous,  said  McFlippin. 

The  Roman  Catholics  are  unlike  ail  other  denominations,  in 


DESPOTISM.  205 

the  fact  of  having  a  Bible  of  their  own  ;  do  you  suppose  that 
Protestants  and  Catholics  can  ever  live  side  by  side  in  peace  ? 
asked  Mr.  Hays. 

Certainly  not;  we  will  have  nothing  to  do  with  them,  they 
are  all  infidels,  and  we  wish  to  see  them  all  destroyed.  You 
do  not  think  we  would  have  one  of  the  infidels  buried  in  our 
cemetery  ?  We  shall  be  in  perpetual  war  as  long  as  there  are 
infidels  in  the  world,  but  the  Bishop  says  the  Protestants  will 
all  join  the  Catholics  in  a  few  years,  and  then  the  world  will 
be  at  peace,  as  it  was  when  there  were  no  Protestants  and 
infidels  in  the  world,  said  McFlippin. 

Do  you  Catholics  desire  to  keep  this  bitter  feeling  against 
the  Protestants  alive  forever  ?  asked  Hays. 

Certainly  we  do ;  if  we  did  not,  why  should  we  ask  for  Pro- 
testant money  to  support  Catholic  schools?  asked  McFlippin. 

"What  would  you  Catholics  do  with  such  men  as  Dr. 
Hawkes,  Dr.  Hutton,  Dr.  Cheever,  and  Dr.  Adams,  if  you 
had  them  in  Catholic  Europe?  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

We  should  prosecute  them  in  the  court  of  the  Inquisition, 
said  McFlippin. 

What  would  be  their  punishment  ?  asked  Hays. 

The  same  as  the  Madiai  family,  imprisonment  for  ten 
years,  and  probably  secret  assassination  or  starvation,  said 
McFlippin. 

Where  do  Eoman  Catholics  suppose  their  Bible  came  from? 
asked  Mr.  Hays. 

The  popes  made  it,  but  they  were  inspired,  said  McFlippin. 

Did  the  saints  of  the  middle  ages  and  the  saints  of  the  more 
recent  ages  have  any  agency  in  preparing  the  doctrinal  pas- 
sages 1  asked  Mr.  Hays. 

Certainly — when  all  the  souls  of  the  world  were  committed 
to  the  popes,  they  made  so  many  alterations,  that  when  the 
Bible  was  translated  into  English  there  were  over  five  hun- 
dred  diflferent   Bibles   collected   by  the  translators,   but  the 


206  DESPOTISM. 

Catholic  translation  was  the  only  correct  one.  You  do  not 
suppose  the  Protestants  would  select  the  same  one  out  of  five 
hundred  that  the  popes  would  select — you  must  be  worse  than 
an  infidel  to  suppose  so,  said  McFlippin. 

You  have  told  me  the  truth,  and  all  the  truth,  have  you  not? 
asked  Mr.  Hays. 

Every  word  is  true — I  have  concealed  nothing — and  now 
you  will  promise  to  protect  me  in  this  unfortunate  aflair  of 
Mr.  Bright  ?  said  McFlippin. 

I    shall  take  time  to  reflect  on  this  business,  said  Mr.  Hays. 

The  coroner  came. 

Mr.  McFlippin,  Mr.  McQuirk,  and  Nick,  will  you  put  your 
right  hands  on  the  Bible.  You  solemnly  swear  to  tell  the 
truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth  !  Kiss  the 
Bible.     What  do  you  know  of  this  case  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

He  came  to  my  house  two  days  since,  in  great  depression, 
and  partially  deranged.  In  his  pocket,  you  see,  is  a  phial,  the 
contents  of  which  caused  his  death.  It  is  suicide,  said  Islc- 
Flippin. 

Is  that  all  you  know  of  this  man?  asked  the  coroner. 

Every  word,  said  McFlippin. 

"What  do  you  know  of  this  man  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

Nothing,  said  McQuirk. 

Nick,  do  you  know  anything  of  this  man  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

He  killed  himself,  said  Nick. 

Where  are  the  children  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

They  were  brought  to  him. 

Come  here,  you  sweet  creatures  !  What  a  pair  of  eyes ! 
Where  is  your  mother  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

Gone  to  Heaven,  Father  says. 

Where  is  your  father  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

He  is  asleep,  said  John. 

I  do  pity  them  !  Who  ever  saw  such  lovely  children  ! 
Who  is  there  that  would    not   like  to  claim   such    creatures ! 


DESPOTISM.  207 

How  unconscious   of  their  loss !     Come   here,   my  darlings 
What  is  your  name  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

John,  sir. 

John,  come  to  me.     I  like  you,  John,  said  the  coroner. 

So  did  mother,  said  John. 

Are  you  going  to  be  a  good  boy,  John  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

I  am  going  to  be  a  great  man,  said  John. 

A  great  man,  are  you  !     Who  said  so  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

Mother,  said  John. 

What  else  did  your  mother  say,  John  ?  asked  the  coroner. 

She  said  my  grandfather  was  the  richest  man  in  England, 
said  John. 

Indeed  !  This  is  something  new  !  What  is  his  name.  John  ? 
asked  the  coroner. 

I  do  not  know,  said  John. 

Poor  children  !  I  suppose  their  mother  used  to  tell  them 
stories,  to  amuse  them.  Send  them  back  to  their  room.  They 
will  soon  starve,  as  thousands  have  done  before  them,  unless 
some  charitable  lady  finds  them  ;  but  I  do  not  suppose  that 
the  charitable  ladies  can  support  one  quarter  of  the  destitute 
children  born  in  Catholic  Europe.  The  crowds  of  the  wretch- 
ed emigrants  that  are  coming  now,  will  discourage  all  charita- 
ble efforts,  and  fill  our  city  with  the  most  degraded  mass  of 
pollution  and  deepest  suffering.  This  business  must  be  stop- 
ped, entirely  !  They  must  have  some  property,  or  stay  at 
home  !  Gentlemen  of  the  jury,  as  yon  can  obtain  no  facts  in 
this  case,  you  must  return  a  verdict  that  Mr.  Bright  came  to 
his  death  by  causes  unknown  to  you,  said  the  coroner. 

About  two  weeks  after  this  inquest,  the  following  advertise- 
ment was  inserted  in  the  "  Mercantile  Guide  :" 

Five  Hundred  Dollars  Reward. — The  above  reward  will 
be  paid  by  the  subscriber  for  any  information  of  the  present 
residence,  or  of  the  untimely  death   of  Benjamin  Hays,  mer- 


203  ■•  DESPOTISM. 

chant,  lately  doing   business    at   No. ,  Greenwich  street, 

and  residing  at  Hoboken.  Mr.  Hays  left  his  place  of  busi- 
ness on  Wednesday  evening  last,  at  eleven  o'clock,  to  return 
to  his  family  at  Hoboken,  and  lias  not  been  seen  or  heard  from 
to  the  present  time.  It  is  feared  by  his  friends  that  he  has 
been  waylaid  and  murdered  !  Mrs.  Hays  and  six  children  are 
now  suffering  under  a  suspense  too  painful  to  be  endured, 
and  her  mind  will  soon  yield  to  agonies  that  life  cannot  sus- 
tain !  The  above  reward  will  be  paid  for  any  information  re- 
specting this  mysterious  disappearance,  by 

Thomas  Hays,  No. AVall  Street. 

Mayor  Wood,  with  his  usual  promptness,  commenced  a 
rigid  investigation,  secret  at  first,  but  finally  extended  to  every 
dark  hiding  place  in  the  infamous  streets  of  that  devoted  city. 
He  dispatched  a  circular  letter  to  every  captain  of  the  police, 
and  stated  that  the  increase  of  crime  was  beyond  endurance; 
and  he  called  on  all  to  expel,  by  prompt  measures,  the  men 
and  the  influences  that  seem  destined  to  ruin  our  beloved  city. 

Nothing  has  yet  been  learned  of  the  fate  of  Mr.  Hays. 

February  1,  1856. 


DESPOTISM.  209 


CHAPTER    VII. 


THE    FIFTH    AVENUE. 

But  why  the  tale  prolong  ? — His  only  child. 
His  darling  Julia  on  the  stranger  smiled. 
Her  little  arts  a  fretful  sire  to  please, 
Her  gentle  gaiety,  and  native  ease 
Had  won  his  soul ;  and  rapturous  fancy  shed 
Her  golden  lights,  and  tints  of  rosy  red. 
But  ah  1  few  days  had  pass'd,  ere  the  bright  Tision  fled  I 

Rogers. 

There  is  now  living  at  New  Haven,  Conn.,  a  retired  gen- 
tleman by  the  name  of  Putnam.  His  taste  is  cultivated,  his 
disposition  amiable,  his  talents  above  mediocrity,  and  he  com- 
mands the  respect  of  all  who  know  him. 

His  wife,  who  is  but  little  younger  than  himself,  has  more 
literary  taste,  is  more  intellectual,  and  more  ambitious.  She 
has  been  educated  with  great  care,  by  wealthy  parents,  in  the 
city  of  New  York.  Schools  and  professors  of  the  highest 
order,  contributed  to  the  cultivation  of  an  intellect,  which  all 
acknowledged  to  be  superior  to  those  around  her.  She  is  yet 
young,  but  has  a  high  position  in  a  circle  equally  known,  and 
equally  admired,  in  two  of  our  first  cities.     Her  mind  is  of  the 


210  DESPOTISM. 

rigidly  logical  and  philosophical  cast ;  she  believes  nothing 
tliat  cannot  bo  demonstrated,  and  she  asserts  nothing  that 
cannot  be  clearly  proved.  To  speak  of  spiritualism,  animal 
magnetism,  astrology,  or  phrenology,  is  to  bring  down  a 
shower  of  her  reprobation.  She  is  a  good  Latin  scholar,  and 
reads  French  as  easily  as  her  own  language.  Her  conversa- 
tion, always  brilliant,  is  most  attractive  to  literary  men.  Her 
society  is  sought  by  the  talented  of  the  second  city  in  literary 
pretension  in  this  country 

She  had  read  till  there  was  little  left  in  her  own  library  that 
was  worth  her  notice.  Literature  and  science  seemed  her  only 
enjoyment.  She  would  lecture  by  the  hour  on  metaphysics, 
magnetism,  chemistry,  or  any  science,  or  any  department  of 
literature, 

Emma,  I  have  decided  to  visit  New  York,  and  spend  a  few 
weeks  with  sister  Phelps,  and  read  the  new  works  in  the  As- 
tor  Library.  I  am  desirous  of  being  acquainted  with  Dr. 
Cogswell,  who  sister  says  is  the  best  read  man  in  this  country. 
I  have  been  once  to  Europe,  and  I  may  go  again — but  before 
I  go,  I  wish  to  acquaint  myself  more  thoroughly  with  the 
present  condition  of  the  literature  of  our  own  country.  Your 
uncle,  you  know,  is  one  of  the  richest  men  in  New  York,  and 
I  have  promised  your  aunt  Phelps  to  make  her  a  visit  in  her 
new  house  in  the  Fifth'  Avenue,  and  I  am  sure  she  will  be 
pleased  to  see  me.  Your  aunt  entertains  her  company  like  a 
queen  ;  no  person  has  more  of  the  ease  and  grace  which  mark 
the  manners  of  the  very  best  society  of  New  York.  Her  cir- 
cle of  friends  is  one  of  the  most  intellectual,  and  the  most  ex- 
clusive, and  I  believe  your  aunt  has  the  respect,  if  not  the 
affection  of  them  all,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Emma,  to  whom  these  remarks  were  addressed,  was  a  child. 
She  was  an  only  child,  and  was  the  constant  companion  of 
her  mother.  Her  age  was  hardly  twelve,  but  her  unusual  in- 
telligence, and  a  development  beyond  her  years,  enabled  all  to 


DESPOTISJI.  211 

regard  her  as  one  or  two  years  older.  She  was  a  lovely  girl. 
Her  form  was  delicate,  but  of  perfect  outline.  Her  face  was 
beaming  with  intelligence ;  her  eyes  were  blacic.  Her  com- 
plexion was  clear,  and  the  color  coursed  through  veins,  that 
were  not  entirely  concealed.  Her  hair  was  black,  and  always 
arranged  with  taste.  Her  movements  were  graceful,  and  had 
the  ease  of  a  more  mature  age.  In  conversation,  her  counte- 
nance seemed  to  express  the  beauty,  that  the  most  brilliant 
thoughts,  and  the  most  polished  language,  showed  to  be  in- 
nate, in  a  mind  of  surpassing  brilliancy. 

The  effect  of  the  whole,  on  the  mind  of  the  beholder,  was 
that  of  transcendent  loveliness.  No  person  looked  upon  such 
a  countenance,  without  some  expression  of  surprise.  This  was 
true  at  the  age  of  twelve — what  was  the  promise  of  coming 
years  ? 

Children,  always  interesting,  are  sure  to  claim  our  admira- 
tion when  stepping  from  the  schools,  to  claim  a  place  in  the 
social  circle. 

Emma,  when  I  go  to  make  sister  Phelps  a  visit,  do  you 
wish  to  go  with  me  ?  asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

This  will  be  delightful.  You  know,  dear  mother,  I  do  love 
to  visit  aunt  Phelps,  and  now  we  shall  see  her  in  her  new 
house  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  !  When  shall  we  go,  dear  mother  ? 
asked  Emma. 

Next  week.  Emma,  you  are  now  a  girl.  I  shall  not  call 
you  child  any  longer.  Keep  this  in  mind  ;  and  in  company, 
and  at  all  times  in  presence  of  your  aunt  and  her  friends,  I 
wish  you  to  consider  yourself  almost  a  lady,  said  Mrs.  Put- 
nam. 

Mother,  I  am  but  twelve,  you  know.  I  fear  I  shall  make 
a  poor  lady,  said  Emma. 

But  I  wish  you  to  conduct  with  propriety  and  dignity.  I 
know  you  understand  me :  behave  yourself  so  that  your 
aunt,  and  your  aunt's  friends,  will  love  you,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 


212  DESPOTISM. 

That  I  will  try  to  do,  said  Emma. 

They  left  in  the  cars  for  New  York.  It  was  one  of  the 
most  lovely  mornings  in  June. 

Mother,  all  we  see  is  perfect  beauty.  Those  mountains  in 
the  distance,  the  cultivated  fields,  the  houses  and  gardens,  the 
flowers  around  the  houses — who  owns  them  all  ?  Oh,  look  at 
the  gay  party  that  now  we  meet — how  happy  they  must  be  ! 
All  we  pass,  seem  to  smile  in  beauty  on  us.  Now  we  see  the 
water.  Oh,  see  the  ships  !  I  do  love  to  gaze  upon  the  quiet 
water !  Is  the  whole  world  so  lovely,  and  so  full  of  life 
and  beauty  ?  Why  do  we  stay  so  much  at  home  ?  asked 
Emma. 

You  have  been  a  school-girl ;  but  now  you  will  go  abroad 
and  see  all  that  is  so  gay  and  beautiful  in  society,  and  all  of 
nature's  grandest  scenery,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Oh,  see  that  beautiful  ship  at  the  wharf!  They  are  spread- 
ing the  sails,  and  the  sun  shines  on  them.  Is  not  the  sight 
lovely  ?     "Where  is  she  going  ?  asked  Emma. 

She  is  going  to  starving  nations,  and  is  full  of  flour,  and 
good  things  to  eat,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

"Why  do  not  starving  nations  come  here  and  eat  ? — why 
should  they  be  hungry  ?  asked  Emma. 

Thousands  do  come,  but  many  will  not  work — they  drink, 
and  vote,  and  believe  in  foolish  dogmas ;  they  are  led  by 
priests  without  wives,  and  all  are  bad  together,  said  Mrs. 
Putnam. 

"Why  are  priests  bad  men  ?  asked  Emma. 

All  men  without  wives  are  bad  men,  and  in  Catholic  coun- 
tries half  the  children  have  no  parents  to  train  them  up  in  vir- 
tue, said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

I  am  glad  I  was  not  born  without  parents  in  a  Catholic 
country,  said  Emma. 

All  the  world  are  glad  they  are  not  Catholics ;  Catholic  na- 
tions are  always  at  war,  and  very  often  fight  each  other ;  they 


DESPOTISM.  213 

have  no  schools,  and  the  children  run  in  the  street,  said  Mrs. 
Putnam. 

I  see  a  large  steamboat !  It  is  now  leaving  the  wharf,  full 
of  ladies  and  gentlemen — how  gay  they  are  !  I  see  them  all 
looking  at  us  and  laughing  ;  they  must  be  good,  or  they  would 
not  be  so  happy.  When  shall  we  arrive  at  Stamford  ?  0  see 
that  young  gentleman  and  young  lady,  each  on  a  beautiful 
horse  !  I  wish  I  were  a  young  lady — how  happy  they  must 
be  !  Can  I  ride  on  a  horse,  with  a  young  gentleman,  on  the 
Fifth  Avenue  ?  asked  Emma. 

If  you  should  fall  and  break  your  limbs,  what  should  I  do  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Mother,  is  this  the  station-house  ?  Oh  see  aunt  Phelps's 
coachman — he  is  bowing  to  us ;  shall  we  take  our  seats  ?  Now 
drive  us  carefully.  Mother,  this  is  a  street  of  palaces — is  it 
Eegent  street  ?  asked  Emma. 

This  is  the  Fifth  Avenue,  and  we  are  near  your  aunt's 
house,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Are  these  the  houses  of  the  nobility  ?  asked  Emma. 

They  are,  but  the  occupants  made  themselves  noble,  and  are 
more  worthy  on  that  account,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Are  they  all  charitable  and  good  ?  asked  Emma. 

They  generally  are.  In  this  church,  and  in  one  now  in  sight 
at  the  corner  of  Twentieth  street  and  Sixth  Avenue,  more 
money  has  been  contributed  than  ever  before  in  this  city, 
said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

The  carriage  arrived  at  Mrs.  Phelps's  house. 

Dear  sister,  and  you,  my  lovely  niece — I  welcome  you 
both  !  I  am  delighted  to  see  you  !  I  do  thank  you  for  this 
visit  !  Now  3' ou  must  feel  quite  at  home,  will  you  ?  There 
is  the  library  full  of  books,  and  there  is  the  conservatory. — 
Just  smell  those  roses.  Do  you  see  the  coach  at  the  door  ? 
You  can  ride  every  day ;  but  you,  sister,  I  suppose  will  read 
at  the  library,  while  Emma  will   ride   with  me.      You   must 


214  DESPOTISM. 

both  enjoy  every  thing  in  your  own  way,  and  allow  nothing  to 
interrupt  your  enjoyment ;  let  nothing  fatigue  you.  On  Sun- 
day you  shall  hear  Mr.  Cox  preach,  and  you  will  say  that  he 
is  very  talented,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mr.  Phelps  returned  in  the  evening,  and  was  delighted  to 
find  Mrs.  Putnam  and  Emma  at  his  new  house. 

You  must  show  sister  Putnam  and  Emma,  all  that  in  our 
great  city  is  most  entitled  to  notice  and  to  admiration.  We 
know  your  taste,  sister,  and  we  know  that  Emma  will  be 
pleased  with  every  thing.  We  have  churches,  schools,  lec- 
tures, literary  men,  literary  ladies,  some  bluestockings,  and 
some  pretenders  among  the  men.  We  have  great  men  and 
little  men.  Live  Oaks  and  scrub  oaks,  policemen  and  pick- 
pockets, honest  men  and  knaves — and  you  shall  see  them  all, 
said  Mr.  Phelps. 

I  thank  you,  but  I  must  first  see  Dr.  Cogswell,  said  Mrs. 
Putnam. 

You  shall  have  my  attentions,  in  any  form  that  your  inclin- 
ations may  direct.  Sister,  do  you  read  novels  ?  Here  is  the 
last.  Some  scenes  are  good — but  I  am  tired  reading  unnat- 
ural incidents,  and  stories  about  black  children  and  white  pa- 
rents, and  white  children  and  black  parents.  We  are  led 
through  dark  passages,  and  scenes  of  vice,  where  the  pure 
should  never  go,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  rarely  read  such  books,  you  know,  sister.  I  shall  go  to 
the  Astor  Library,  and  there  I  sliall  find  books  which  will 
make  us  wiser,  and  I  hope  better.  I  shall  converse  with  a 
man  who  has  seen  the  world,  and  whose  pursuit  is  knowledge 
— whose  life  is  pure,  whose  acquirements  have  elevated  him, 
and  whose  example  will  live  when  he  is  called  from  his  labors.* 

*  The  writer,  wlio  lias  visited  the  Astor  Library  since  it  was  first  opened,  wishes  to 
bear  te-timony  to  the  uniform  pohteness  always  extended  to  him.  In  conversation  with 
hundreds  who  are  regular  visitors,  there  has  been  but  one  sentiment  expressed.  The  few 
complaints  made  come  from  strangers  who  are  not  familiar  with  the  simple  requirements 
of  the  librarian. 


DESPOTISM.  215 

I  must  go  to  morrow  and  see  Dr.  Cogswell  said  Mrs.  Put- 
nam. 

The  next  morning,  Mrs.  Phelps  ordered  the  coach  at  an 
early  hnur. 

Emma,  j^our  mother  has  gone  to  the  librar}',  and  has  prob- 
ably found  some  musty  book  two  or  three  thousand — no,  two 
or  three  hundred  years  old,  and  we  shall  not  see  her  till  dinner 
time  ;  we  will  take  ti  ride,  and  call  at  the  fashionable  and  rich 
stores,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Shall  we  see  Mayor  "Wood  ?  asked  Emma. 

It  is  possible  that  we  may  ;  we  shall  go  near  to  him.  You 
see  the  carriage  is  at  the  door.  Tom,  I  wish  you  to  drive 
moderately.  We  are  yet  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  but  shall  soon 
be  in  Broadway,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Who  lives  in  this  large  house  V  asked  Emma. 

That  is  the  Brevoort  House,  and  is  owned  by  Messrs. 
Carnes  &  Haskell,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  see  beautiful  young  ladies  at  the  window — are  they  Mr. 
Haskell's  daughters  ?  asked  Emma. 

If  they  are  very  beautiful,  they  may  be  Mr.  Carnes's  daugh- 
ters calling  on  their  friends.  It  is  a  public  house  and  one  of 
the  most  fasfiionable  in  the  city,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Oh,  what  a  handsome  park  !  Do  Messrs.  Carnes  &  Has- 
kell own  this  ? — how  very  rich  they  must  be  !  said  Emma. 

They  are  very  rich,  but  they  are  only  part  owners  of  this 
square.  It  is  Washington  Square,  and  is  owned  with  twen- 
ty-tive  otliers,  by  the  great  city.  New  York  will  be  a  larger 
city,  with  more  beautiful  squares  and  parks,  than  any  other 
in  any  country,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Who  owns  that  great  house  ?  asked  Emma. 

That  is  the  New  York  University,  and  educates  hundreds 
of  young  men  who  enlighten  the  world,  and  dispel  the  dark- 
ness of  past  Catholic  ages.  Our  rich  merchants  gave  the  mo- 
ney to  erect  the  institution — they  are  very  rich  and  very  libe- 


216  DESPOTISM. 

ral.  Professor  Loomis,  and  some  of  the  most  learned  men  in 
the  country,  are  Professors,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Here  is  another  large  house,  I  wish  father  owned  it — 
how  rich  the  owner  must  be,  said  Emma. 

Mr.  Stewart  owns  it,  and  Mr.  Leland  entertains  the  great 
men  of  all  the  nation — it  is  the  Metropolitan  Hotel,  and  well 
known  over  all  the  country.  Mr.  Leland  is  very  rich  and  very 
popular,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Here  are  two  more  palaces — do  the  nobility  in  England 
have  such  handsome  houses  ?  asked  Emma. 

They  do  not  have  such  large  ones.  One  of  these  is  the 
Prescott  House,  and  the  other  is  the  St.  Nicholas — both  of 
them  are  among  our  first  hotels.  The  St.  Nicholas  is  the 
largest  house  in  all  the  great  cities.  It  has  one  room  of  sur- 
passing magnificence,  and  when  you  get  married  you  may 
sleep  in  it — it  is  called  the  bridal  chamber,  and  is  fitted  up 
with  extraordinary  splendor.  Queen  Victoria  does  not  sleep 
in  a  room  of  greater  magnificence,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

What  church  is  this  ?  asked  Emma. 

It  is  not  a  church,  it  is  a  marble  temple,  and  is  a  store, 
and  was  erected  by  a  man  with  money  made  by  great  honesty 
and  enterprise,  and  the  world  respects  him  for  his  many  good 
qualities.  He  has  no  children.  His  name  is  A.  T.  Stewart. 
He  would  give  this  temple  for  a  daughter  like  you,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

Has  he  no  sons  ?  asked  Emma. 

He  has  none ;  but  he  is  father  to  the  friendless  and  the 
poor,  and  he  fed  hundreds  when  they  were  starving  in  the 
dreary  winter.  He  has  given  large  sums  to  ragged  schools, 
and  all  the  best  institutions  of  our  great  city ;  his  charities 
have  relieved  many  a  suflferer,  and  raised  crushed  hearts  from 
deepest  anguish.  This  is  the  City  Hall — Mayor  "Wood  lives 
here,  said  j\[rs.  Phelps. 

I  should  like  to  see  him,  said  Emma. 


DESPOTISM.  21/' 

You  shall  see  him  ;  he  is  a  remarkable  man,  and  the  very 
first  who  ever  did  his  whole  duty  as  Mayor  of  this  great  city, 
and  the  citizens  are  so  delighted  that  they  contemplate  erect- 
ing a  Pantheon,  and  will  inscribe  his  name  where  it  will  be 
read  forever,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Where  is  the  Pantheon  to  be  placed  ?  asked  Emma. 

It  should  be  placed  in  the  great  Central  Park,  and  have  the 
names  of  all  our  great  men  inscribed  on  it ;  it  may  never  be 
erected,  but  his  name  is  already  inscribed  on  the  hearts  of  his 
devoted  friends  and  our  best  citizens.  You  have  read  Roman 
hiistory — do  you  recollect  Cincinnatus  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  do — he  was  holding  plough  when  called  to  save  his  coun- 
try.    Did  Mayor  Wood  ever  plough  ?  asked  Emma. 

No,  but  he  left  his  daily  business,  and  now  devotes  his 
whole  time  to  the  interests  of  the  great  city,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Here  is  another  temple.  Where  can  the  money  come  from 
to  build  so  many  temples  ?  Athens,  Rome,  Paris,  London, 
have  not  more  palaces — have  they  ?  asked  Emma. 

The  merchants  are  very  rich  and  very  honorable;  their  in- 
teirrity  is  known  all  over  the  country,  and  men  from  distant 
cities  come  to  trade  with  them ;  they  are  raising  the  country 
to  the  highest  eminence  ever  attained  by  any  nation,  said  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

Who  lives  here  ?  asked  Emma. 

Mr.  Coleman  and  Mr.  Stetson  live  there ;  and  they  are 
among  the  noblemen  of  our  great  country.  They  are  very 
rich  and  very  charitable,  and  true  Americans,  and  respected 
by  all  the  thousands  and  thousands  who  visit  them.  I  have 
met  them  often  relieving  the  poor  sufferers,  who  without  their 
liberality  would  have  been  hungry.  The  house  is  owned  by 
Mr.  Astor,  and  is  called  after  him — he  is  the  richest  man  in 
our  extensive  country.  Mr.  Astor  is  one  of  the  great  number 
who  are  virtuous  and   liberal,  and  no  man  in  Athens,  lioiuf, 

Paris,  or  London,  is  more  re<?pected.     His  income  is  suppo- 
10 


218  DESPOTISM. 

sed  to  be  nearly  one  million  of  dollars  every  year,  and  lie 
gives  to  very  many  charitable  institutions,  and  has  done  all  he 
could  to  lessen  the  suflerings  of  the  lower  classes.  His  father 
gave  the  city  the  great  Astor  Library,  a  gift  that  will  elevate 
the  whole  country  in  taste,  literature,  refinement,  and  virtue. 
Jn  its  immense  halls,  now  soon  to  be  increased  by  his  own 
liberality,  the  young  cun  learn,  the  middle-aged  revel  in  intel- 
lectual delight,  the  student  and  the  author  can  read  the  works 
of  genius,  and  the  aged  can  solace  their  declining  days  with 
life's  purest  enjoyments.  I  believe  that  the  name  of  Astor 
will  never  pass  from  the  records  of  this  great  city,  nor  from 
the  hearts  of  its  grateful  citizens.  He  has  recently  given  the 
Astor  Library  a  lot  of  ground  as  large  as  that  on  which  the 
Library  now  stands;  his  liberality  to  the  library  is  but  little 
less  than  his  father's.  This  is  Trinity  Church,  and  is  the  most 
beautiful  church  in  the  United  States;  it  cost  more  than  any 
two  others.  The  Society  holds  millions  of  dollars  in  real  es- 
tate, and  if  our  laws  did  not  prevent  it,  the  religious  societies 
would,  like  the  Catholics  in  Europe,  finally  have  in  their 
hands,  half  of  all  the  property  of  the  country.  Tliis  is  Wall 
street.  Do  you  see  huntlreds  of  busy  men  all  flying  from  place 
to  place  like  crazy  men  ?  They  are  paying  notes,  and  bor- 
rowing money,  and  transacting  all  kinds  of  business.  Do  you 
see  that  marble  building,  and  the  one  adjoining  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

I  do — but  if  the  other  was  a  store,  I  suppose  this  is  a 
store,  said  Emma. 

No,  it  is  not ;  it  belongs  to  President  Pierce  and  the  great 
nation,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

"What  do  President  Pierce  and  the  great  nation  do  with  it  ? 
asked  Emma. 

The  merchants  of  the  United  States  all  pay  duties  on  im- 
])or!cd  goods,  such  as  you  and  I  wear,  and  nearly  three- 
i'ourths  of  the  whole  are  collected  in  this  buildin<j.     It  is  called 


DESPOTISM.  219 

the  Custom  House,  and  in  it  are  employed  nine  l)undred  and 
sixty  persons,  all  of  whom  are  appointed  by  the  President  and 
his  friends. 

Live  Oak  will  put  in  none  but  honest  Americans.  Men 
like  our  aldermen,  elected  by  the  McFlippin  school,  would 
not  be  trusted  to  carry  the  keys  to  the  house  of  Live  Oak. 
Li  the  building  connected  with  the  Temple,  the  gold  is  coined 
which  comes  from  California.  The  time  will  come  when  more 
will  be  coined  here  than  in  any  other  place  in  the  commercial 
world.  In  this  country  the  merchants  lay  their  money  up  and 
become  rich  ;  in  Catholic  Europe,  they  spend  it  all  in  fighting 
among  themselves,  or  in  the  most  degrading  vices.  We  shall 
have  no  enemies  to  fight  if  we  exclude  Catholics,  and  drive 
from  office  the  dangerous  abolitionists,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

How  very  rich  President  Pierce  must  be  ! — does  he  own  all 
the  gold  tliat  is  coined  ?  asked  Emma. 

He  does  not,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Is  he  worth  more  than  uncle  Ph(^ps  ?  Mother  sa3's  he  is 
very  rich,  said  Emma. 

President  Pierce  is  a  very  good,  honest  man,  and  keeps 
the  money  for  the  nation  ;  but  some  of  his  political  friends  say 
that  the  spoils  of  the  vanquished  belong  to  the  victors,  and 
they  put  the  money  in  their  own  pockets.  The  Know  Noth- 
ings have  been  found  honest,  and  have  been  asked  to  take 
care  of  the  money,  and  to  keep  up  the  respectability  of  the 
great  country.  This  is  the  Exchange.  This  is  an  honor  to 
the  merchants  and  to  the  country.  It  is  a  fit  emblem  of  Ame- 
rica ;  standing  alone,  and  in  sublime  majesty  !  Here  assem- 
ble the  great  money  and  merchandise  dealers,  from  all  parts 
of  the  world.  Tliey  are  our  richest  and  best  men.  Their 
minds  are  enlarged  by  intercourse  with  the  whole  world ;  their 
dealings  are  conducted  with  strict  honor,  on  which  alone  they 
rely  tor  a  faithful  perfjrmance  of  their  immense  contracts  with 
each  other.     They  look  above  the  petty   divisions  of  creeds. 


220  DESPOTISM. 

and  regard  the  world  as  one  great  Temple,  in  which  character 
and  virtue  are  to  elevate  their  class  infinitely  above  the  priests, 
who  are  always  quarrelling,  and  exciting  the  bad  passions. 
Chancelli)r  Frelinghuysen  is  now  approaching;  he  is  a  true 
American,  and  has  warned  the  country  against  the  sectional 
feeling,  now  threatening  to  destroy  the  Union,  and  this  great 
country.  Mr.  Hubbard,  one  of  the  most  respectable,  wealthy, 
and  enterprising  merchants,  is  on  our  right;  he  is  respected 
for  his  integrity,  and  is  a  true  representative  of  the  New  York 
merchants.  The  stout  gentleman  is  Mr.  Tileston,  and  near 
him  is  his  partner,  Mr.  JSpofford,  and  on  the  other  side  is  Mr. 
Griswold;  they  are  very  rich,  very  liberal,  and  are  among  the 
leading  men  of  our  great  commercial  city.  Near  them  are  Mr. 
Brown,  'Mv.  Haven,  and  Mr.  Collins;  no  person  can  look  at 
them  without  yielding  to  the  deep  sympathy  that  oppresses 
the  lieart.  In  the  mysterious  Providence  that  no  mind  can 
fathom,  they  were  called  to  part  with  daughters  virtuous  and 
lovely,  whose  loss  every  heart  in  this  great  city  sincerely  de- 
plores. For  them  to  see  a  child,  a  darling  daughter,  like  you, 
would  open  afresh  the  wounds  that  all  would  heal.  The 
world  knows  them,  and  respects  them  for  their  enterprise  and 
for  their  genius,  and  while  sympathy  has  a  place  in  the  heart, 
they  will  not  be  forgotten. 

Mr.  Dodge  is  now  approaching ;  he  is  one  of  our  rich  and 
liberal  men,  and  respected  by  all  who  know  him.  Here  is  an 
institution  managed  by  men  of  great  talents  :  it  paid  to  the 
merchants  nearly  six  millions  of  dollars,  lost  within  two  years 
by  disasters  at  sea.  From  the  amount  paid  by  this  oiBce,  we 
can  form  some  estimate  of  the  entire  loss  of  property  and  life, 
by  our  great  commercial  country.  One  of  their  leading  men, 
Mr.  Jones,  is  dead  I  He  was  one  of  our  best  men  ;  and  all 
the  merchants  followed  him  to  his  last  resting  place.  He  was 
one  of  the  renowned  and  honorable  merchants  of  this  great 
city.     He  had  no  children — he  was  alone — and  in  his  last  mo- 


DESPOTISM.  221 

ments  would  have  given  half  his  immense  wealth  for  a  daugh- 
ter like  you,  to  smooth  the  pillow  that  supported  his  aching 
head.  Tiie  venerable  man  in  the  waggon  is  a  Commodore, 
and  is  immensely  rich.  He  has  nearly  ten  millions  of  dollars, 
but  his  greatest  wealth  is  his  ten  daughters  and  their  hus- 
bands— all  respected  and  beloved.* 


*  The  most  interesting  reading  that  can  be  offered  to  the  young  is  the  sketch  of  the 
life  of  an  eminent  merchant. 

In  no  country  has  a  man  shown  a  greater  genius  than  Mr.  C.  Vanderbilt.  Starting, 
■where  all  start  in  this  country,  from  the  public  schools,  he  has  acquired  one  of  the 
largest  fortunes  in  the  United  States.  In  past  ages  of  ignorance,  military  adventurers, 
priests,  and  saints,  monopolized  all  greatness.  In  modern  times,  genius  of  a  higher  order 
has  been  shown  by  very  many  of  our  merchants.  Men  who  have  the  talent  to  acquire  a 
fortune  of  five  or  ten  millions  in  twenty  or  thirty  years,  would  have  been  as  great  as 
Caesar  or  Washington  in  war,  and  as  Cicero  or  Chatham  in  the  senate,  as  Morse  and  Jack- 
son in  the  fields  of  science,  and  as  Fulton  and  Hoe  in  mechanics.  If  we  were  required  to 
illustrate  by  examples  the  prospective  greatness  of  this  country,  we  should  give  names 
of  men  who  during  the  first  century  of  our  independence  have  done  more  to  show  the 
vast  capacities  of  man  than  all  the  world  that  has  preceded  them.  Side  by  side  with  our 
great  men  in  science  we  would  place  the  names  of  men  of  immense  wealth  and  threat 
liberality.  Fortunes  are  no  more  acquired  by  accident  than  great  discoveries  are  made 
by  accident.  Great  discoveries  and  great  fortunes  are  the  results  of  great  genius  com- 
bined with  great  enterprise.  Many  of  our  illustrious  men  have  been  called  from  the 
scene  of  their  labors,  but  we  have  thousands  around  us  whom  the  country  delights  to 
honor.  Our  valued  citizens  are  constantly  in  the  field,  working,  they  hope  unnoticed,  in 
the  cause  of  virtue  and  the  best  interests  of  society.  How  far  a  writer  may  go  in  invad- 
ing the  sanctity  of  private  life  and  private  charity,  may  be  a  question  on  which  men  will 
differ.  That  many  men,  and  more  ladies,  spend  their  time  and  their  fortune  in  relieving 
the  sufferings  of  those  around  them,  is  well  known  to  those  whose  tastes  call  them  to 
scenes  of  suffering.  Mr.  Swift,  one  of  our  richest  merchants,  has  for  years  supported  a 
school  at  his  own  expense.  Mr.  Minturn,  Mr.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Rogers  and  sister,  and  their 
associated  friends  at  Dr.  Muhlenburg's  church,  have  contributed  seven  thousand  dollars, 
at  one  time,  for  the  support  of  home  missionaries,  the  money  to  be  expended  under  the 
direction  of  the  reverend  doctor.  On  this  occasion  five  one  thousand  dollar  bills  were 
rolled  together  and  deposited  without  the  knowledge  of  the  name  of  him  who  gave  it 
The  names  of  our  truly  liberal  men  would  fill  any  book,  and  some  other  lime  they  may 
be  given  to  the  public.  Mr.  Rogers  built  the  church  and  pays  the  salary  of  Dr.  Muhlen- 
burg.  The  great  men  of  one  age  ai'e  the  founders  of  great  names  and  the  most  valuable 
institutions  of  the  following  age.  Posterity  should  place  on  their  banners,  not  the 
names  of  saints,  but  the  names  of  virtuous  and  liberal  men  who  have  lived  and  died 
■with  us  and  have  left  a  valued  name.  In  illustrating  the  prospective  greatne.^s  of  any 
country,  we  should  place  in  conspicuous  characters,  the  names  of  those  who  by  their 
disreputable  acts,  and  by  their  infamous  characters,  oppose  the  progress  of  their  own 
country  in  all  that  gives  dignity  to  society  and  advances  civilization.    In  this  way  we 


222  DESPOTISM. 

We  thank  him  for  what  he  has  dt)ne — he  has  shown  the 
world  that  we  are  a  great  people.  He  carried  all  his  children 
in  his  own  ship  to  Europe.  To  the  sovereigns  he  said,  "  here 
are  my  jewels,"  and  the  Queen   of  England  .^aid,  as  slie  intro- 

can  give  to  our  leading  men  a  knowledge  of  those  persons  whose  lives  have,  and  tho  e 
who  have  not,  been  valuable  gifts  to  an  age  of  unlimited  progress.  'While  many  of  our 
best  men  have  been  opeaing  new  avenues  to  trade,  others  of  equal  wealth  and  equal  ge- 
nius have  been  worliing  to  fix  valuable  institutions  on  our  soil.  While  these  men  were 
thus  employed,  our  lawyers  and  our  politicians  have  been  pandering  to  the  worst  pas- 
sions, and  leading  many  to  vice  aud  ruin.  Their  intent  may  not  be  bad,  but  the  result  of 
their  acts  is  most  fatal  to  progress  in  virtue.  While  Van  Buren,  Seymour,  Sewaid,  and 
their  class  of  politicians  were  making  speeches  over  tlie  whole  State,  the  object  of  which 
was  to  destroy  the  valuable  institutions  that  our  wealthy  and  virtuous  meu  most  prize, 
Mr.  Swift  and  thousands  of  his  class  were  laboring  and  spending  fortunes  to  relieve  the 
sufferings  of  men,  women  and  children,  whose  ruin  was  the  direct  result  of  Van  Buren, 
Seymour  and  Seward's  ruinous  measures. 

Our  practical  business  men  should  be  equally  honored  for  genius  and  for  the  qualities 
that  elevate  the  whole  country.  Our  merchants  excel  in  all  that  this  age  most  values — 
wealth,  liberality,  enlightened  views,  toleration,  and  the  higliest  civilization  that  man  is 
capable  of  reaching.  They  are  leading  this  country,  and  we  are  already  immensely  in 
advance  of  Catholic  Europe.  The  merchants  are  the  guides  to  national  greatness.  They 
are  numerically  superior  to  all  the  professional  men,  and  in  talent  they  are  equally  in 
advance  of  all  other  classes.  A  few  professional  men  rise  superior  to  the  surrounding 
masses,  and  claim  the  homage  of  the  age.  The  merchants,  as  a  separate  class,  com- 
menced in  the  Italian  States,  at  the  revival  of  trade  when  the  chains  of  Catholic  despot- 
ism were  broken,  and  they  have  been  increasing  in  number  and  wealth,  and  aie  now  the 
great  conservative  body  that  must  guide  and  govern  all  free  governraeats.  Veneration  is 
no  longer  paid  to  military  tyrants,  or  to  priestly  inventions  :  but  respect  for  genius,  for 
men  who  open  new  avenues  to  trade  and  wealth,  and  guide  a  country  upward,  has  taken 
its  place.  Great  fortunes  are  the  sure  indications  of  great  genius — aud  sketches  of  the 
lives  of  wealthy  merchants  must  to  the  young  and  ambitious  have  an  interest  that  no 
reading  can  surpass.  We  do  not  mean  the  self-writteu  exposition  of  trickery  and  catch- 
penny artifices,  to  rob  an  extra  twenty-five  cents  from  an  unsuspecting  victim  ;  but  we 
do  mean  the  lives  of  men  of  true  greatness,  like  Vanderbilt,  Law,  Whitney,  Astor,  Ro- 
gers, Swift,  Cooper,  and  thousands  of  our  merchants,  whose  names  have  been  given  in 
this  work,  and  are  familiar  to  us  all. 

Does  any  man  doubt  that  the  struggles  of  early  life  with  the  difficulties  that  obstruct 
all  young  merchants,  were  the  schools  in  which  were  formed  the  character,  and  in  which 
were  nerved  the  arms  for  the  approaching  conflict  ?  Our  first  merchants  now  in  active 
life,  started  where  all  men  of  genius  have  started — and  to  read  their  tales  of  disappoint- 
ment would  rouse  and  sustain  many  a  sinking  heart  through  its  early  trials.  It  is  with 
such  literature  that  our  libraries  should  be  furnished,  and  it  is  with  men  of  such  char- 
acters that  the  rising  generation  should  be  acquainted.  It  is  with  men  of  such  charac- 
ters that  our  glorious  country  is  some  day,  we  hope,  to  be  filled.  Thej'  are  to  the  United 
States  the  same  element  that  the  House  of  Lords  and  the  rich  English  landholders  are  to 


DESPOTISM.  223 

duced  them  to  her  seven  children,  "  here  are  mine."  The  Ca- 
tholic sovereigas  could  not  tell  where  to  find  their  jewels.  All 
this  crowd  of  men  are  rich,  and  some  are  very  rich,  and  they 
lose  a  fortune  in  a  day," and  make  it  all  up  again  the  next  day. 


Euglancl  ;  the  conservative  power  that  we  hope  will  carry  the  country  through  the  con- 
flict so  scon  to  assail  our  peaceful  and  happy  Union.  Mr.  Vanderbilthas  not  only  acquired 
a  fortune,  but  he  has  spent  half  a  dozen  in  the  display  that  add^  dignity  to  wealth,  and 
makes  noblemen  of  rich  men.  It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  since  Mr.  Vanderbilt  made  his 
pleasure  excur.siori  to  Europe,  not  a  .single  newspaper  or  magazine  in  England,  or  any 
English  tourist,  has  spoken  of  the  literature  of  this  country  in  the  same  insulting  man- 
ner so  frequently  indulged  before  ho  made  that  visit.  Mr.  Stewart  maintains  in  Paris  a 
rpgal  style  of  splendor,  and  Mr.  Warden,  his  partner,  entertains  in  his  splendid  mansion 
Americans  with  the  true  hospitality  of  an  American  nobleman.  Mr.  Law  contemplates 
a  tour  tliat  will  involve  an  expenditure  which  few  men  in  this  or  any  other  country  can 
conveniently  make,  and  we  hope  hundreds  of  our  immensely  rich  men  will  follow  his  ex- 
ample. 

We  will  open  the  map  of  our  great  country,  and  place  it  before  us.  What  first  attracts 
our  notice  as  the  peculiar  feature  of  our  country  ?  The  immense  lakes,  no  doubt.  Ou 
the  borders  of  a  far  distant  lake  we  read  the  name  of  Chicago.  A  few  years  since  It  was 
known  to  the  Indiana,  but  civilized  man  had  hardly  bi'eathed  its  air.  It  now  sends  from 
its  immense  storehouses  more  grain  than  any  city  in  the  world  ;  and  on  this,  in  part, 
are  sustained  the  immense  armies  that  are  deciding  the  fate  of  great  European  nations. 
From  this  distant  port,  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  bushels  of  grain  are  shipped 
every  day,  and  the  vessels  return  to  her  capacious  harbor  laden  with  merchandize  cf 
equal  value.  lu  the  spring  will  be  opened  by  a  canai  the  trade  of  our  largest  lake,  Supe- 
rior, and  in  size  it  will  compare  with  the  Crimea,  about  which  Europe  is  now  in  arms. 
Cincinnati,  St.  Louis,  Buffalo,  and  dozens  of  other  distant  cities,  are  soon  to  claim  places 
in  the  commerce  of  this  great  country,  that  a  few  years  ago  belonged  only  to  New  York, 
Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  and  Boston.  What  is  New  York  destined  to  be  ?  Who  is  bold 
enough  to  fix  her  limits?  Can  we  estimate  too  highly  the  men  who  have  made  thi.i 
country  what  she  is,  and  who  will  make  her  what  she  is  destined  to  be  ?  The  puny 
men  of  Catholic  Europe  know  that  we  have  the  elements  of  all  that  is  great  in  every- 
thing that  can  give  dignity  to  great  nations.  England  can  contend  with  us  no  longer — 
«he  has  virtually  yielded  all  the  pre-eminence  once  so  vauntingly  claimed.  She  has  al- 
ways admitted  the  pre-eminence  of  our  government,  and  she  now  acknowledges  that  we 
lead  her  in  every  thing  ;  but  in  nothing  does  she  so  much  envy  us  as  our  freedom  from 
that  class  of  men  who,  by  their  ignorance,  intolerance,  and  vices,  have  done  her  so 
much  injury,  and  now  keep  her  in  constant  alarm.  When  the  world  emerged  from  Ca- 
tholic darkness,  in  the  fifteenth  century,  the  cry  was  for  classic  literature.  The  reply 
was,  that  ignorance  and  the  priests  had  divided  the  world  so  long  between  them,  that 
no  classic  litei-ature  was  left.  If  a  single  work  of  some  sterling  writer  was  found,  its 
merit  was  vastly  overrated.  In  that  age  of  darkness  and  Catholic  degradation,  arose 
the  sentiment  that  no  man  was  great,  if  he  had  not  studied  in  a  Catholic  college.  We 
need  not  ask  who  the  propagators  were — it  is  sufilcient  that  their  sentiments  are  now 
thrown  to  the  winds.    Now  colleges  are  seeking  honors  by  asking  men  to  accept  their 


224  DESPOTISM, 

This  is  Mr.  Wetmore,  who  made  a  fortune  in  China.  The  tail 
gentleman  near  him  is  Live  Oak.  You  see  all  the  merchants 
are  gathering  around  him ;  no  man  commands  the  respect  of 
80  large  a  circle  of  our  most  distmguished  merchants. 

Near  us  is  Mr.  S.  T.  Armstrong,  a  gentleman  of  immense 
wealth,  and  great  scientific  acquirements.  He  offered  to  place 
a  telegraphic  cable  between  this  city  and  Liverpool,  and  his 
friends  say  he  can  accomplish  anything  to  which  science  is  the 
agent.  Mr.  Norris  is  near  the  Exchange ;  he  acquired  consider- 
able property  on  the  banks  of  the  river  Amazon.  He  says 
that  no  man  can  form  a  conception  of  the  wealth  which  Brazil 
is  to  pour  into  this  country  when  Yankee  enterprise  developes 
its  vast  resources,  or  unites  the  soil  to  this  country.  If  we 
remain  united,  our  sceptre  will  extend  to  Cape  Horn,  and  to 
Icy  Cape. 

Mr.  O'Brien  and  his  brother  are  standing  near  their  office. 
They  have  acquired  an  immense  fortune  by  their  genius,  and 
enjoy  it  like  noblemen.  They  have  been  twice  to  Europe,  and 
have  seen  the  world,  with  the  eye  of  true  philosophy.  They 
are  very  liberal,  and  are  respected  and  admired  by  all  who 
know  them.  Near  them  is  Mr.  Dibble,  a  merchant  of  great 
wealth  and  acquirements.  His  education  and  his  sound  judg- 
ment peculiarly  qualify  him  for  a  place  at  Washington,  and  I 
am  sure  his  party  must  agree  with  me. 

The  three  gentlemen  standing  together  are  Messrs.  Stilwell, 


diplomas.  Mr.  Fillmore,  one  of  the  prominent  Know-Nothings,  was  recently  asked  to 
accept  their  diploma,  as  a  storekeeper  asks  a  customer  to  take  a  shop-card.  "  No,  I 
tliank  you,  sir,"  said  llr.  Fillir.ore.  "I  think  your  college  a  good  one,  hut  I  cannot  risk 
ny  reputation  hy  certifying  that  I  know  it  to  be  of  value  to  this  highly  educated  age. 
You  must  try  to  sustain  your  institution  without  my  help.  I  did  not  think  well  enough 
of  any  college  to  waste  my  time  in  one  ;  I  studied  in  the  broad  fields  of  daily  life,  and 
with  my  education  the  Americans  are  satisfied."  Mr.  Fillmore,  Mr.  Law,  Mr.  Vanderbilt, 
aud  hundreds  of  such  men,  represeiit  the  class  of  men  that  this  country  wants.  We 
want  self-made  men,  of  great  genius,  great  business  talent,  and  great  integrity.  From 
this  class  we  shall  select  the  Union  men  that  will  sustain  the  institutions  of  our  great 
and  glorious  country. 


DESPOTISM.  225 

Uiman,  and  R.  C.  Wetmore — all  Americans  of  the  highest  or- 
der of  talents.  They  will  undoubtedly  fill  some  high  stations 
under  the  American  party.  If  they  should  be  called  to  repre- 
sent this  country  in  a  foreign  court,  they  will  not  write  letters 
informing  the  world  that  they  had  been  invited  to  dine  with  a 
gentleman,  and  insulted  him  at  his  own  table.  They  dine  with 
gentlemen  every  day,  and  in  this  particular  they  differ  from 
certain  other  politicians.  Mr.  Charlock  is  now  passing  us  — 
you  see  he  bows — his  talents  are  of  the  highest  order,  and  he 
was  an  alderman  when  aldermen  were  honest  men.  Assisted 
by  Live  Oak  he  made  a  large  fortune,  and  in  common  with 
hundreds,  acknowledges  that  one  leaf  from  the  ledger  of 
Live  Oak  is  a  sure  fortune  if  closely  followed. 

The  gentleman  now  approaching  is  Mr.  J.  T.  Ilildreth,  one 
of  the  advocates  for  a  reform  in  the  social  system.  Brooklyn 
is  deeply  indebted  to  him,  as  well  as  to  Mayor  Hall,  for  the 
order  and  decency  of  their  beautiful  city.  The  gentleman 
near  our  coach  is  Professor  Morse,  who  has  shown  conclu- 
sively, that  La  Fayette  stated  to  Washington,  that  if  in  this 
country  we  ever  lost  our  liberty,  it  would  be  accomplished  by 
the  priests,  who  swear  to  elevate  the  Pope  above  all  temporal 
governments.  A  religious  oath  is  always  regarded  by  a 
Catholic  as  controlling  a  civil  one.  Senator  Goodwin  is  stand- 
ing near  the  Exchange.  He  says  that  Massachusetts  is  guilty 
of  treason  in  nullifying  the  laws  of  the  Union — and  he  is  cor- 
rect !  Alderman  Briggs,  one  of  the  most  indefatigable  of  the 
American  part}'',  is  conversing  with  one  of  the  prominent 
Know  Nothings,  Mr.  Cooley  ;  the  whole  city  know  him  to  be 
a  man  of  great  political  integrity.  Mr.  Howes,  one  of  our 
most  successful  merchants,  is  now  passing  us  :  his  charities, 
and  those  of  his  wife,  have  relieved  the  sufferings  of  many  a 
stricken  heart. 

There  is  Mr.  Pease.  He  is  coming  to  speak  to  us.  He 
10* 


226  DESPOTISM. 

must  be  trying  to  beg  some  money  to  feed  the  poor  starving 
children,  said  ^Irs.  Phelps. 

Aunt  Piielps,  mother  says  that  you  are  very  rich,  and  very 
good ;  I  want  some  money  for  Mr.  Pease  :  will  he  feed  the 
starving  children  ?  asked  Emma. 

Here  is  all  I  have.  I  did  not  think  I  had  so  much,  but  you 
may  have  it  all,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mr.  Pease,  here  is  some  money  that  aunt  Phelps  gives  you — 
you  know  her  well.  Mr.  Pease,  can  you  feed  all  the  little 
children  ?  asked  Emma. 

I  cannot  feed  one  quarter,  and  some  nearly  starve,  and  some 
die  for  the  want  of  clothes  !  I  wish  I  could  feed  them  all — 
then  they  would  be  very  happy,  and  would  smile  as  you  do ; 
their  life  would  be  innocent  and  pure,  if  care  were  taken  of 
them.  I  cannot  tell  you  all  the  sufferings  of  these  poor,  star- 
viuL'',  frozen  children,  said  Mr.  Pease. 

You  say  you  wish  you  could  feed  them  all  ;  do  any  little 
innocent  children,  sent  to  make  happy  parents  and  pure  life, 
and  to  be  trained  to  virtue  and  iiappiness,  go  hungry  every 
day  ?  asked  Emma. 

You  are  very  kind,  and  I  know  you  must  be  surprised  to 
see  little  children  begging  bread,  and  nearly  starving  for  the 
want  of  it,  but  what  can  I  do  ?  I  have  no  money — I  am  very 
poor,  and  work,  and  beg,  and  ask  all  who  are  generous,  and 
love  little  innocent  children,  to  help  me  feed  the  poor  little 
sufferers,  said  ISIr.  Pease. 

Where  do  so  many  little  children  come  from,  that  they  must 
starve  and  die  ?  asked  Emma. 

You  are  very  inquisitive,  for  a  child  so  young,  and  I  will 
tell  you  all.  The  parents  of  these  children  were  virtuous  and 
good  when  they  were  young,  but  the  city  fathers  have  si.K 
thousand  places  where  they  sell  poisonous  spirits,  and  they 
have  killed  all  their  parents,  said  Mr.  Pease. 


DESPOTISM.  227 

Can  uncle  Phelps  lock  up  the  city  fathers  for  killing  the 
parents  of  so  many  little  innocent  children  ?  asked  Einraa. 

You  do  reason  well  for  so  small  a  child.  I  do  love  you. 
Some  day  I  am  sure  you  will  arouse  the  men,  and  move  their 
hearts  to  consider  the  claim  of  these  innocent  children,  said 
Mr.  Pease. 

I  must  go  home — it  makes  my  heart  ache.  I  am  sure  the 
city  fathers  are  very  naughty  men  to  kill  so  many  parents  of 
little  starving  children  !  If  there  are  any  rich  and  good  men, 
I  know  aunt  Phelps  will  find  them  out,  and  they  v,-ili  feed  the 
hungry  children,  said  Emma.* 

The  coach  can  stand  here  no  longer.  Tom,  drive  us  up 
Broadway,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Emma,  we  will  call  at  Stewart's,  where  we  shall  see  the 
largest  store  in  the  world,  and  it  is  to  be  enlarged.  Two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  persons  are  here  seen  showing,  selling,  and  de- 
livering the  richest  goods  which  can  be  manufactured.  Every 
person  should  call,  and  by  the  scene  before  them,  they  can  es- 
timate the  wealth  of  our  glorious  country.  From  this  scene 
they  should  visit  the  sufferings  of  our  degraded  classes;  the 
contrast  will  illustrate  the  necessity  for  placing  better  influen- 
ces around  those  not  already  rained. f 

*  The  Wilson  Ragged  School,  No.  137  Avenue  A,  has  two  hundred  scholars, 
taken  from  the  streets.  Some  ladies  give  to  this  school  their  whole  time,  and 
receive  nothing.  The  school  is  now  in  need  of  funds  for  its  most  benevolent  pur- 
poses. All  sums  will  be  thankfully  received  by  the  Lady  President,  directed  to 
her,  and  placed  in  the  post  office  in  any  part  of  the  United  States. 

■\  In  this  store  are  sold  annually  ten  millions  of  dollars  at  a  profit  of  fifteen  per  cent., 
amounting  to  one  million  and  a  half.  No  European  merchant  ever  compared  with  him. 
Mr.  Stewart  invests  nearly  half  a  million  every  year  in  real  estate,  and  has  not  given  a 
note  for  twenty  years. 

A  female  aged  ninety-three  years,  sat  for  years  in  front  of  Mr.  Stewart's  store  and  sold 
apples.  He  gave  her  a  seat,  and  furnished  for  her  comfort  a  blanket  and  other  articles, 
including  money.  One  of  our  newspapers  accused  Mr.  Stewart  of  assessing  his  custom- 
ers for  a  charitable  object  ;  and  she  refused  from  that  moment  to  receive  the  free  ofi'er- 
\ngs  of  Mr.  Stewart's  wealthy  customers.     You  can  see  the  same  person,  every  pleasant 


228  BESPOTISAJ. 

Mr.  Stewart,  I  wish  to  see  one  of  your  richest  lace  dresses, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

This  is  the  most  valuable  that  we  have  at  this  moment,  but 
by  the  next  arrival  we  shall  have  some  much  more  valuable  ,- 
the  price  of  this  is  only  one  thousand  dollars,  said  Mr, 
Stewart. 

;Mr.  Stewart,  I  wish  you  to  send  the  courteous  Mr.  Brown 
to  us. 

Mr.  Brown,  will  you  show  us  a  veil  af  the  richest  lace  that 
you  have  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

This  veil,  Mrs.  Phelps,  is  four  hundred  dollars;  we  shall 
have  some  in  a  few  days  that  will  suit  you  better,  and  will 
cost  much  higher.  This  cloak  is  two  thousand  dollars,  and 
this  cape  is  eighteen  hundred  dollars — both  of  them  are  of 
the  most  costly  fur.  I  have  just  sold  Mrs.  Bird  one  of  the 
capes,  and  Mrs.  Vanderbilt  one  of  the  cloaks.  Here  is  a  shawl 
for  only  one  thousand  dollars.  We  have  numerous  articles  of 
similar  kinds,  and  quite  as  low  as  these  ;  high  priced  or  low 
priced,  we  shall  sell  as  low  as  any  store  in  the  city,  said  Mr. 
Brown. 

I  like  to  make  my  purchases  at  your  store ;  your  prices  are 
invariable,  and  your  assortment  unsurpassed.  I  shall  want 
the  articles  which  you  have  shown  me,  but  not  quite  yet,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

day,  in  front  of  Mr.  Roe  Lockwood's  stationery  store,  below  Canal  .street,  on  the  north 
sirle  of  Broadway.  Mr.  Lockwood,  with  the  liberality  which  has  characterised  his  life, 
told  her  that  he  would  be  as  good  a  friend  to  her  as  Mr.  Stewart  had  been,  and  in  front 
of  his  store  she  sells  her  apples,  and  receives  the  offerings  of  the  charitable.  No  one 
can  look  at  this  vestige  of  creation,  without  a  strong  desire  to  relieve  the  poverty  and 
suiTering  of  her  last  hours.  As  you  pass,  it  will  occur  to  your  mind,  that  an  early  or 
late  release  from  the  toils  and  the  troubles  of  this  world,  will  come  to  all.  She  was  fif- 
teen years  of  age  when  Washington  achieved  the  independence  of  his  country,  and  fifty- 
three  years  when  Napoleon  the  first,  with  all  his  greatness,  was  consigned  to  a  rock  in 
the  Pacific  Ocean,  for  the  safety  of  Europe.  She  may  yet  live  long  enough  to  see  Napo- 
li-on  the  third  in  the  same  place  ;  but  we  hope  not  long  enough  to  see  this  country 
electing  a  sectional  President. 


DESPOTISM.  229 

Emma,  we  Mnll  call  at  Ball  and  Black's.  Tom,  you  will 
remain  here.  Mr.  Ball  will  show  you  any  article  that  you 
may  wish  to  see,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Did  you  ever  see  such  gold  coffee  urns,  and  plates  and 
cups  ?  Was  this  the  gold  set  given  to  Mr.  Collins  by  the  rich 
merchants  ?  asked  Emma. 

It  was,  said  Mr.  Ball. 

I  wish  I  were  Mr.  Collins's  daughter — then  I  could  drink 
coffee  out  of  gold.  Oh  no,  I  do  not  wish  to  be  Mr.  Collins's 
daughter — I  only  wish  he  had  a  daughter  just  like  me ;  I 
know  he  would  not  be  offended  by  such  a  wish.  I  am  not  so 
bad,  you  know,  as  some  girls  are,  though  I  do  sometimes  get 
a  scolding.  Have  you  any  gold  watches,  all  set  in  jewels  and 
diamonds  bright  and  brilliant  ?  asked  Emma. 

Look  at  this;  the  price  is  only  five  hundred  dollars,  said 
Mr,  Ball. 

That  is  beautiful,  said  Emma. 

Here  is  a  gold  Bandeau  ;  may  I  put  it  on  your  brow  ?  I 
know  what  I  should  worship.  I  love  you — I  cannot  help  it — 
you  are  so  young;  you  will  I  hope  excuse  me — I  spoke  from 
my  heart,  but  without  reflection,  said  Mr.  Ball. 

I  do  not  know  what  you  mean,  but  I  suppose  you  have  just 
such  daughters ;  have  you  any  sons  ?  asked  Emma. 

Daughters  like  you  do  not  come  to  see  me  every  day — and 
sons  like  you,  I  am  sure  there  are  none,  said  Mr.  Ball. 

We  must  go  now,  Emma ;  but  we  have  seen  the  articles 
which  we  shall  want,  and  we  will  come  here  and  buy  them. 
Tom,  drive  us  to  Tiffany's.  Here  we  are — we  will  go  in.  Mr. 
Tiffany  admires  to  have  all  the  ladies  call  and  look  at  his  rich 
articles.  Mr.  Tiffany,  will  you  show  us  the  gold  set  presented 
by  the  city  of  San  Francisco  to  their  late  Mayor  Garrison,  who 
refused  to  accept  his  salary  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

This  is  it.  We  are  pleased  to  show  our  rich  articles  to  all 
who  call  on  us,  said  Mr.  Tiffany. 


230  DESPOTISM. 

What  did  this  cost  ?  aalced  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Sixteen  thousand  dollars,  said  Mr.  Tiffany. 

Will  you  show  me  your  richest  diamond  necklace  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

This  is  fourteen  thousand  dollars.  I  have  recently  sold  five 
of  these  to  your  personal  friends.  We  shall  have  one  by  the 
next  arrival  worth  twenty  thousand.  Here  is  a  beautiful 
watch  imported  for  Mrs.  Bent.  The  price  is  only  sis  hundred 
dollars.  Please  look  at  the  diamonds.  I  have  sold  a  great 
number  of  the  same  kind  to  Mrs.  Astor,  Mrs.  Townsend, 
Misses  Wood,  Miss  Cook,  ]\[iss  Aspinwall,  Mrs.  Sheflf,  Miss 
Maxwell,  Miss  Brown  and  Mrs.  Cope  of  Philadelphia,  Mrs 
Wolf,  ]\Irs.  MotFat,  Mrs.  Morgan,  Mrs.  Fairbank  Mrs.  Mor 
ris,  and  Mrs.  Stuart,  said  'Mv.  Tilfany. 

I  should  like  to  see  the  three  articles  like  the  ones  sold  to 

Mrs.  M ,  and  worn   at   Niagara   and   Newport,  said 

Mrs.  Phelps. 

These  are  the  duplicates.  In  this  you  see  is  the  largest 
diamond  which  we  have  imported,  said  Mr.  Tiffany. 

Wiiat  is  the  price  of  the  three  articles  ?  I  suppose  they 
must  be  sold  together,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

The  price  of  the  three  is  twenty-one  tlu^usand  dollars,  said 
Mr.  Tiffany. 

They  are  certainly  very  beautiful,  and  I  am  pleased  to 
learn  that  we  have  persons  of  wealth  and  taste  to  purchase 
such  beautiful  specimens  of  the  arts,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  shall  have  your  gold  set  done  soon,  and  will  send  it  home, 
said  Mr.  Tiffany. 

You  need  not  send  it  home  till  I  see  you  again — my  party 
will  not  be  given  for  some  time,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

If  you  will  walk  up  stairs,  you  will  see  a  set  consisting  of 
three  hundred  pieces,  manufactured  for  one  of  our  rich  mer- 
chants ;  you  will  oblige  me  by  asking  your  friends  to  call  and 
see  it,  said  Mr.  Tiffany. 


DESPOTISM.  231 

Do  Kings  and  Queens  have  things  more  rich  and  beautiful 
than  these  ?  asked  Emma. 

I  do  not  know,  but  Kings  and  Queens  do  not  earn  their  own 
mony,  but  the  merchants  do,  and  are  more  worthy,  said  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

I  have  numerous  articles  ordered  for  your  party,  and  have 
imported  some  on  purpose.  Will  5'ou  look  at  this  diamond  ? 
It  was  found  in  Brazil  by  a  slave,  who  received  his   freedom 

and  one  thousand  dollars.     I  am  setting  it  for  Mr.  A . 

Did  you  ever  see  one  so  beautiful  ?  asked  Mr.  Tiffany. 

I  never  saw  one  of  equal  size,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Tom,  let  the  coach  remain  here  while  we  go  over  to  Genin's. 
Mr.  Genin,  where  is  your  partner  Mr.  McCune  ?  Mr.  Mc- 
Cune,  will  you  show  us  some  of  your  richest  articles  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

This  veil  is  three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  ;  this  shawl  is 
one  thousand  dollars.       I  think  you  can  find  no  richer  articles 

than    we   can  show   yon ;  we  sold  Miss  W ,  of  Newark, 

her  wedding  dresses,  for  which  she  paid  us  only  seven  thou- 
sand dollars  :  we  put  the  articles  at  very  low  prices,  said  Mr. 
McCune. 

I  am  pleased  to  see  you  all  so  busy.  I  know  that  you  are 
making  fortunes,  and  hope  you,  and  hundreds  of  merchants, 
will  build  stores  as  large  as  Stewart's,  to  embellish  our  great 
city.  AVe  shall  want  many  of  your  articles  for  a  particular 
occasion,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Tom,  drive  us  to  Beck's.  Mr.  Beck,  I  wish  Mr.  Wait  to 
be  sent  to  me.  Mr.  Wait,  I  wish  to  look  at  a  number  of  your 
richest  articles.  Your  stock  is  unsurpassed.  I  have  seen  no 
articles  more  rich-  Every  article  shown  us  is  perfectly  mag- 
nificent. You  have  two  stores — and  this  accommodates  your 
customers.  I  shall  purchase  at  your  Eleventh  street  store. 
You  sell  very  cheap — the  world  all  say  so.     I  see  the   goods 


232  DESPOTISM. 

that  I  shall  want,  and  you  shall  be  sure  to  sell  them,  said  Mrs, 
Phelps. 

We  will  drive  to  Mr.  Gale's.  Tom,  drive  us  to  Broome 
street.  Mr.  Gale,  will  you  show  us  your  richest  silver  sets  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Tliis  set  is  ten  thousand  dollars,  and  this  one  is  fourteen 
thousand  ;  and  here  is  one  of  our  largest  and  most  elegant, 
the  price  of  which  is  twenty  thousand  dollars.  We  have  been 
selling  more  than  usual  this  season — our  merchants  were  never 
making  money  so  fast.  We  will  sell  you  one  article,  or  an  en- 
tire set,  and  you  can  rely  upon  the  fineness  of  every  article. 
AVe  sell  to  the  wealthy  of  the  whole  city,  said  Mr.  Gale. 

I  am  sure  your  prices  are  low,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Tom,  drive  up  to  Mr.  Haughwout's. 

Mr.  liaughwout,  will  you  show  us  some  of  your  splendid 
clocks,  and  rich  porcelain  dinner  sets,  and  gas  fixtures  ? 

Emma,  did  you  ever  see  such  a  display  of  beautiful  articles  ? 

There  can  be  no  store  more  splendid,  said  Emma. 

I  wish  you  to  look  at  the  articles  displayed  in  all  the  rooms. 
These  chandeliers  are  a  new  pattern,  and  the  most  elegant  in 
the  city.    They  are  our  own  manufacture,  said  Mr.  Haughwout. 

Our  own  are  admired  by  all  who  have  seen  them.  Can  you 
furnish  us  with  a  set  of  your  own  china,  marked  with  the 
name  on  every  article,  like  the  one  you  made  for  a  gentleman 
in  San  Francisco  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

We  can  give  you  any  article,  however  elegant,  and  have  it 
marked  as  you  may  direct.  Here  is  an  entire  set,  ordered  by 
Mr.  Seward,  and  here  is  one  ordered  by  Mr.  Shefflin,  and  here 
is  one  for  Mr.  Roberts.  The  price  of  these  is  only  four  hun- 
dred dollars,  said  Mr.  Haughwout. 

I  am  pleased  to  learn  that  all  this  rich  work  is  done  in  this 
country.  It  must  give  support  to  many  industrious  girls  ;  and 
I  am  no  less  pleased  to  learn  that  all  the  rich  people  buy  of 
you.     I  know  that  you  sell   your  rich  articles  at  reasonable 


DESPOTISM.  233 

prices.    I  shall  soon  want  all  of  these  articles,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 
Tom,  drive  us  to  Lord  &  Taylor's. 

Emma,  you  will  be  surprised  to  see  so  large  a  store  full  of 
such  rich  articles.  Here  we  are.  See  the  piles  of  goods. 
There  is  no  end  to  them — they  are  in  all  the  rooms.  You  will 
be  lost,  and  I  shall  never  find  you.  Why  do  people  keep 
stores  when  they  are  so  rich  ?  It  must  be  hard  times  for 
small  stores.  You  show  us  so  many  goods,  I  shall  not  know 
which  to  buy,  I  want  so  many.  They  are  very  beautiful,  and 
I  will  call  again  next  week  and  make  my  purchases,  said  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

Tom,  drive  us  to  Madame  Kossuth's. 

Kich  ladies  should  patronize  the  ladies.  This  stock  is  cer- 
tainly beautiful.  I  am  pleased  to  see  so  many  coaches  at 
your  door.  You  have  strong  claims  upon  the  ladies.  Your 
history  is  romantic,  and  sympathy  is  a  part  of  female  charac- 
ter. We  will  encourage  and  sustain  you.  Your  assortment 
is  not  surpassed,  your  prices  low,  and  j'our  taste  is  most  ex- 
quisite. I  know  how  many  bitter  hours  of  toil  and  anxiety 
have  weighed  on  a  heart  that  was  not  formed  or  trained  for 
such  a  contest  in  life's  ceaseless  struggle.  I  shall  always  be 
pleased  to  wear  articles  selected  by  your  taste.  I  will  call 
often,  and  ask  my  friends  to  call  on  you,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Tom,  drive  us  to  Wagner's. 

Mr.  Wagner,  you  must  sell  to  me  at  very  low  prices.  I 
hear  that  you  have  made  a  fortune,  and  have  one  of  the  most 
splendid  coaches  in  the  city,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

You  know  that  I  always  sell  at  very  low  prices,  but  my  am- 
bition is  to  sell  better  articles  than  any  other  person,  and  to 
sell  to  all  the  first  people  in  the  city,  said  Mr.  Wagner. 

You  do  sell  the  best  articles  that  can  be  made,  I  am  sure  of 
that.  In  a  short  time  I  will  give  you  my  order.  My  party 
will  make  heavy  demands  u^on  you,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Tom,  drive  us  slowly  to  the  Fifth  Avenue. 


234  DESPOTISM. 

Aunt  Phelps,  do  you  see  those  chiklren  sweeping  the  streets, 
and  tliose  on  the  side  wulk,  selling  apples  ?  Why  do  not  their 
parents  send  thein  to  school  ?  O,  see  that  little  beauty,  with 
black  (>yes  !     Do  look  at  her  !  said  Emma. 

They  have  no  parents,  they  liave  no  relatives,  they  have  no 
friends  !  They  die  daily  with  cold  and  hunger,  neglect  and 
starvation  !  These  are  the  children  that  Mr.  Pease  tries  so 
hard  to  feed,  but  there  are  so  many  that  some  must  starve 
and  die,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

You  are  not  serious,  Aunt  Phelps  ?  You  do  not  mean  that 
little  innocent  children  starve  and  die  in  the  street !  said  Emma. 

I  mean  just  what  I  say.  These  children  are  in  the  street 
barefoot,  and  not  half  dressed,  in  the  winter,  and  there  stand 
in  the  snow  and  mud  all  day,  begging  for  bread,  which,  when 
obtained,  is  not  sufficient  to  preserve  life  from  extreme  hun- 
ger, said  ]\Irs.  Phelps. 

0  dear,  I  cannot  think  of  such  suffering  !  Can  we  take 
home  three  or  four  of  them?  You  have  a  large  house,  and 
we  have  a  large  house  at  New  Haven.  Do  you  think  these 
children  are  hungry  now  ?  asked  Emma. 

1  know  they  are,  but  we  have  thousands  of  them,  and  we 
are  importing  whole  families  every  day,  and  then  destroying 
the  parents  by  intemperance,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Who  destroys  the  parents  of  so  many  little  children  ?  asked 
Emma. 

The  men  who  make  the  laws,  and  the  judges  who  pervert 
them,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

The  men  who  make  bad  laws,  and  the  judges  who  oppose 
the  good  ones,  are  very  naughty  men,  and  all  good  folks  will 
say  so.  The  children  are  all  innocent  and  pure,  are  they  not  ? 
asked  Emma. 

As  innocent  and  as  pure  as  life  can  be.  I  wish  I  could  be- 
heve  that  they  will  so  remain.  My  heart  refuses  to  look  for- 
ward to  the  condition  of  nearly  all  of  them — I  cannot  discuss 


DESPOTISM.  235 

it  with  young  persons — to  see  their  present  sufferings  is  enough 
fur  the  feelings  of  any  sensitive  heart.  I  do  hope  the  State 
will  assist  the  ragged  schools,  and  I  know  that  land  ladies  and 
gentlemen  will  assist  us  to  feed  the  little  innocent  sufferers, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

]\[rs.  Phelps  and  Emma  returned  from  their  ride,  and  soon 
after  ^Irs.  Putnam  returned  from  the  Astor  Library. 

iSibter,  did  you  find  the  books  that  were  the  particular  ob- 
ject of  your  search  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  did,  and  I  found  a  library  that  would  surprise  any  person 
not  familiar  with  general  literature,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Were  you  pleased  with  Dr.  Cogswell,  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  was  delighted  !  No  person  could  be  more  communicalive 
or  more  agreeable.  There  seemed  to  be  no  bounds  to  his 
knowledge  of  books,  nor  of  his  capacity  of  pouring  out  a  con- 
stant current  of  literary  lore.  No  book  could  be  named  that 
he  had  not  seen,  and  no  author  escaped  his  memory.  The  de- 
partment of  French  and  German  books,  selected  during  his 
residence  in  Europe,  is  complete.  Dr.  Cogswell  and  Mr.  As- 
tor's  names  should  be  inscribed  on  the  new  Pantheon.  Dr. 
Cogswell  certainly  would  be  a  most  valuable  acquisition  to 
any  social  circle.  I  do  wish,  sister,  that  I  enjoyed  your  ad- 
vantages of  a  residence  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  said  Mrs.  Putnam, 

Mother,  I  have  been  to  Mr.  Stewart's  house,  and  President 
Pierce's  house,  and  the  United  States  E.Kchange,  and  we  have 
seen  all  the  great  and  rich  merchants  of  all  the  world,  said 
Emma. 

You  appear  to  have  been  delighted,  my  daughter.  You 
certainly  saw  very  many  interesting  objects,  but  you  did  not 
see  all  the  merchants  of  the  world,  did  you?  asked  JNIrs, Putnam. 

Yes  I  did — the  street  was  full  of  them,  and  they  were  all 
paying  notes  and  burrowing  money ;  Aunt  Phelps  said  so. 
Mother,  we  saw  three  gentlemen,  and  Aunt  Phelps  said  some- 
thing about  sympathy,  and  she  put  her  handkerchief  to  her 


236  DESPOTISM. 

face,  and  she  did  not  speak  again  for  some  minutes  !  0  mo- 
ther, we  saw  Cincinnatus !  No,  it  was  eot  Cincinnatus  1 
Who  was  it,  Aunt  Phelps  ?  asked  Emma. 

It  was  Mayor  Wood's  City  Hall,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Yes,  it  was  Mayor  Wood.  He  lives  in  a  marble  temple. 
Aunt  Phelps  says  he  is  the  best  Mayor  that  ever  lived  in  a 
temple.  He  must  have  a  large  family.  How  many  sons  has 
he  ?  asked  Emma. 

He  has  a  very  interesting  family,  but  they  are  young,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

O  mother,  I  saw  two  noblemen  !  They  live  in  the  Astor 
Palace,  said  Emma. 

Yes,  but  your  aunt  should  have  told  you  that  they  are  pelf- 
made  nobles,  and  vastly  more  wealthy  than  European  nobles, 
said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Aunt  Phelps,  have  you  any  novels  that  represent  daily  life, 
and  have  characters  that  are  alive  and  talk,  and  do  just  as 
you  and  I  do  ?  I  do  not  want  any  books  about  black  child- 
ren, and  cruel,  wicked  masters.  All  the  world  are  not  cruel, 
wicked  creatures,  are  they  V  asked  Emma. 

Tiiey  are  not.  The  world  is  virtuous  and  happy,  and  such 
are  the  pictures  of  lite  that  should  be  presented  to  the  minds 
of  young  persons.  I  approve  your  taste.  I  must  get  Mr. 
Cox,  or  some  man  of  his  talents  who  sees  life  in  its  happiest 
aspects,  to  write  a  novel  with  no  bad  characters,  and  no  dis- 
gusting scenes.  Ministers  would  never  oppose  novels,  if  au- 
thors would  write  novels  and  plays  that  represent  virtuous, 
every-day  lite.  Such  novels  would  be  read,  and  they  would 
make  the  world  better.  When  I  hear  of  such  a  work,  I  will 
purchase  it  for  Emma.  Do  you  agree  with  me,  sister  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

Sister,  you  know  that  I  have  read  but  few  novels  lately.  I 
do  not  like  the  present  school,  and  I  shall  wait  for  purer  and 
higher  works.     If  any  person  who  could  represent  a  virtuous 


DESPOTISM.  237 

person  and  a  virtuous  life,  true  to  the  principles  which  should 
govern  our  actions,  would  write  a  novel,  and  would  show  us 
living  persons  acting  from  those  high  motives,  and  directing 
every  action  by  virtuous  impulses,  it  would  be  read  by  every 
person  of  taste,  and  it  would  be  recommended  by  every  reader, 
said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Those  are  the  novels  required  for  this  intellectual  age.  "We 
want  life  and  truth,  and  such  characters  as  the  virtuous  world 
would  delight  to  imitate.  I  know  some  persons  who  I  think 
could  write  such  a  work ;  but  those  who  are  qualified  by  their 
principles,  acquirements,  and  familiarity  with  life  in  its  highest 
mission,  are  too  often  otherwise  employed  ;  and  if  we  ever 
have  them,  they  must  come  from  those  who  do  not  write  for 
money,  and  do  not  desire  the  approval  of  one  class  of  novel 
readers.  The  world  owes  but  little  to  novel  writers,  or  poets, 
for  pictures  of  virtuous  life,  and  I  have  no  expectation  of  be- 
ing placed  under  greater  obligations  to  them,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

The  world  will  have  sufferings  as  long  as  it  has  vices  ;  and 
the  most  effectual  way  to  make  the  people  better,  is  to  give 
them  books  that  will  make  them  in  love  with  virtuous  individ- 
uals and  virtuous  life.  If  I  could  write  a  book,  and  make  a 
black  chief  my  hero ;  if  I  could  draw  him  fighting  constantly, 
and  constantly  slaying  his  species ;  if  his  victims  should  be 
more  than  five  millions,  as  were  those  of  Napoleon,  would  so- 
ciety be  improved  by  the  contemplation  of  such  a  character  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

No.  It  is  an  axiom  in  morals,  that  purity  can  have  no  con- 
tact with  impurity.  We  can  no  more  be  familiar  with  scenes 
of  vice  than  we  can  be  familiar  with  living  actors  in  scenes  of 
vice,  without  being  exposed  to  contamination.  In  this  consists 
the  error  of  the  popular  school.  These  writers  draw  their 
characters  and  their  scenes  as  disgusting  as  they  can,  and  then 
say  we  have  so  drawn  them  that  the  innocent  may  avoid  them. 
If  this  is  right,  why  not   carry  the  same  idea  a  little  further, 


238  DESPOTISM. 

and  introduce  the  innocent  and  inexperienced  to  the  principal 
actors  in  the  scenes  of  vice,  as  well  as  to  the  scenes,  that  they 
may  learn  to  avoid  them  ?  Would  any  person  act  so  incon- 
sistently ?  I  must  introduce  you  to  Mr.  Cox — I  know  you 
will  agree  with  him.  I  have  often  heard  him  express  your 
views  on  many  subjects,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Does  he  preach  as  a  man  should  preach,  in  this  intellectual 
part  of  the  city  ?  Is  he  a  man  of  true  talents,  and  does  he 
comprehend  human  nature,  and  does  he  look  through  nature 
up  to  nature's  God  ?  Does  he  entertain  a  strong  and  clear 
belief  that  Providence  still  exists,  and  preserves  the  order  of 
all  created  things?  Does  he  believe  that  if  it  was  not  for  the 
cai'e  of  Providence,  and  the  power  that  created  the  solar  sys- 
tem, that  the  millions  of  planets  and  comets  that  da^h  with 
such  awful  force  frt)m  one  point  in  creation  to  another  would 
strike  stars  and  suns,  and  destroy  the  whole  sj'stem  ?  Does 
he  believe  that  without  the  siistaiuing  care  of  Providence,  the 
orbit  of  the  earth  would  change  its  degree  of  eccentricity  so 
much  that  the  moon  would  strike  and  destroy  the  globe  ? 
Does  he  believe  that  the  eccentricity  of  the  earth's  orbit  has 
been  diminishing  trom  the  first  moment  of  creation,  and  there- 
by endangering  our  globe  ?  Does  he  believe  that  the  moon 
has  been  constantly  moving  with  increased  velocity,  and  tliat 
she  is  now  four  times  her  breadth  in  advance  of  the  place  that 
she  should  occupy  ?*  Does  he  believe  that  the  laws  of  gra- 
vity, on  which  we  rely  for  our  safety,  do  not  extend  to  the 
most  distant  orbs  ?     Does  he  believe  that  many  unaccounta- 


*  We  copy  the  following  from  the  "  Mercantile  Guide  :" 

The  President  of  the  Biitish  Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Science,  in  his  open- 
ing address  at  the  yearly  scientiSc  gathering  lately  held  at  Glasgow,  stated  as  one  of  the 
results  of  Lord  Eosse's  telescope,  that,  for  the  first  time  since  the  days  of  Newton,  a 
suspicion  Las  arisen  in  the  minds  of  astronomers,  that  laws,  other  than  that  of  gravita- 
tion, may  bear  rule  in  space  ;  and  that  the  nebular  phemimena  revealed  to  us  by  that 
telescope,  must  be  governed  by  forces  different  from  those  of  which  we  have  any  know- 
ledge. 


DESPOTISM.  239 

ble  changes  now  going  on  in  the  solar  sj^stem  will  certainly 
destroy  it,  unless  Providence  checks  these  aberrations,  and  by 
some  compensating  power  turns  them  back  ?  Does  he  admit 
that  the  poles  of  the  earth  have  been  changed,  and  that  tropi- 
cal plants  and  tropical  animals  are  found  in  boundless  quanti- 
ties at  the  polar  regions  ?  Elephants'  tusks  are  brought 
in  large  quantities  from  Siberia,  near  the  North  Pole,  said 
Mrs.  Putnam. 

He  undoubtedly  does,  for  all  the  world  know  tbem,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

The  world  does  know  them,  but  we  do  not  all  attribute  our 
safety  to  the  power  that  created  us.  Some  attribute  all  our 
safety  to  clum.ce,  or  to  fate,  which  is  virtually  denying  a  super- 
intending Providence.  Does  he  ever  illustrate  the  orthodox 
view  of  the  creatiou  by  referring  to  well-known  facts  ?  Does 
he  ever  state  that  the  millions  of  worlds,  or  planets,  dashing 
through  creation,  are  all,  as  far  as  the  eye  of  the  astronomer 
can  discover,  as  well  suited  to  sustain  an  intellectual  popula- 
tion as  our  own  ?*     Does  he  ever  state  that  the  globe  has  ex- 

*  If  Doctor  Kane  and  others  could  live  in  the  open  air  night  and  day  for  three  months 
at  the  North  Pole,  Professor  Loomis  need  not  send  xis  to  Mercury  and  Venus  to  avoid  an 
atmosphere  that  he  thinks  will  freeze  the  life  out  of  U3  here,  some  coming  winter.  No 
person  has  emigrated  from  Neptune  to  our  earth  for  warmer  weather  ;  and  we  think  we 
shall  not  emigrate  to  Mercury  or  Venus  to  avoid  a  cold  winter.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to 
tell  our  readers  that  tbe  emiaeut  Professor  is  alone  in  his  new  theory,  and  no  doubt  he 
wishes  to  be  alone.  The  Creator  does  not  make  worlds  for  nothing.  Man,  in  a  lower 
condition,  has  existed  on  this  globe  millions  of  years,  and  equally  long  in  the  mUlions 
of  planets  revolving  around  the  stars,  that  are  suns  like  our  sun.  All  the  inhabitants  of 
tliis  world  are  not  to  be  frozen  to  death,  and  no  doubt  this  information  will  be  very  con- 
soling to  the  eminent  Professor. 

Plurality  of  Worlds. — Professor  Loomis  delivered  an  eloquent  and  elaborate  address 
before  the  Teachers'  Association,  on  the  lofty  theme  we  have  indicated,  observing  that 
this  little  globe  was  once  regarded  as  fixed  in  space,  the  stars  seemingly  at  small  dis- 
tances from  us  being  considered  as  comparatively  insignificant.  Man,  with  self-compla- 
cent vanity,  regarded  himself  as  the  sole  favorite  of  his  Maker.  But,  when  to  the  eye 
of  philo=:ophy  those  brilliant  jewels  of  the  night  had  expanded  in  the  eye  of  reason 
to  the  magnitude  of  orbs  equivalent  to  that  of  our  sun,  and  the  startling  alternative 
was  presented,  either  that  they  were  all  rolling  madly  to  ruin,  or  revolving  round  some 
distant  central  luminary — then  was  forced  upon  him  a  humbling  sense  of  his  own  little- 


240  DESPOTISM. 

isted  millions  of  years  ?  Does  he  believe,  with  the  great  geol- 
ogist of  this  country,  President  Duna,  that  there  have  been 
twelve  submersions   of  this  continent,  and  twelve  upheavals  ? 


ness,  forcing  him  to  exclaim  with  the  Psalmist,  "When  I  consider  the  Heavens,  the  work 
of  thy  fingers,  the  moon  and  the  stars,  which  thou  hast  ordaini  d,  Lord  I  what  is  man 
that  thou  art  mindful  of  him,  or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  ?"  It  was  natu- 
ral for  him  to  inquire  If  his  own  rank  in  creation  were  not  as  humble  as  the  scale  of  the 
atom  upon  which  he  is  located.  Such  views  have  been  popularized  by  one  who  is  not 
less  a  poet  than  a  philosopher.     Those  who  think  with  him  argue  thus.     They  say  : 

Life  was  not  made  for  matter,  but  matter  for  life.  Life  physical,  to  enjoy  its  beauties ; 
life  moral,  as  related  to  our  nature  ;  Ufe  intellectual,  to  know  and  comprehend  His 
attributes. 

But  if,  said  the  lecturer,  we  are  prone  to  err  in  judging  what  ought  to  be  the  acting  of 
our  fellow  men,  is  it  not  far  worse  and  less  judicious  to  attempt  to  say  how  the  Creator 
has  acted,  from  our  guess  as  to  how  he  ought  to  have  acted? 

Let  us  examine  a  few  physical  phenomena.  The  geographical  outlines  of  continents 
are  chauging,  certainly,  ttiough  slowly.  The  Alps,  the  Pyrennees,  and  the  Himalayas 
were  once  sedimentary  deposits,  filled  Avith  submarine  shells.  What  is  now  sea  was  for- 
merly land.  Mountains,  composed  of  hundreds  of  alternate  layers,  are  proved  to  have 
been  exhuded  from  the  bottom  of  ocean  surfaces.  The  periods  requisite  for  such  changes 
must  have  been  immensely  long.  Not  less  than  30  000  species  of  animal  and  vegetable 
forms  have  been  dug  from  rocks — creatures  unlike  living  species.  Entire  races  have 
passed  away,  the  globe  having  changed  inhabitants  at  least  half  a  dozen  successive 
times.  The  ferns  of  Europe  and  America  grow  to  a  height  of  two  feet,  but  ferns  dug 
out  of  the  carboniferous  strata  have  grown  to  the  height  of  forty  feet.  In  that  day  the 
frogs  of  England  and  Germany  were  as  large  as  an  ox.  The  track  of  birds,  with  feet  18 
inches  long,  are  still  preserved  in  the  Connecticut  handstone.  Many  similar  illustrations 
of  this  period  were  given.  The  remarkable  fact  is  that,  in  the  alluvial  deposit,  which  is 
seldom  more  than  100  feet  in  thickness,  and  in  the  underlying  strata,  six  miles  in  depth, 
no  remains  of  a  human  bein;  have  been  found.  Man  then  was  placed  upon  the  globe 
in  the  latter  part  of  the  alluvial  period. 

If  we  assign  6.000  years  to  the  history  of  man,  the  stratified  rocks  have  required  three 
millions  of  years  for  their  deposition,  or  it  may  be  many  millions  more. 

The  lecturer  next  alluded  to  the  changes  of  climate  upon  this  planet,  as  connected 
with  the  destruction  of  successive  races. 

Heat  is  the  only  known  agent  capable  of  liquefying  the  rocks  which  form  the  crust  of 
the  earth.  The  early  temperature  of  the  planet  was  incompatible  with  life  in  any  shape. 
In  time,  organization  became  more  complex,  as  the  earth  became  gradually  fitted  for  the 
higher  races  of  vegetable  and  animal  life. 

Ttius,  by  an  analysis  of  the  pheuamena,  we  may  conclude,  first,  that 

The  earth  has  undergone  a  gradual  reduction,  as  well  as  local  change  of  temperature. 

2d.  The  period  occupied  by  this  process  is  geologically  proved  to  have  occupied  millions 
of  years. 

3d.  During  this  time  new  species  appeared  and  became  extinct,  and  man  last  made 
his  appearance. 


DESPOTISM.  241 

That  not  one  of  these  submersions  was  caused  by  rain,  and  if 
it  had  rained  one  year,  it  would  not  have  raised  the  ocean  one 
foot  ?     Does  he  ever  state  that  the  world  we  inhabit  travels, 

4th.  The  contioued  operation  of  the  same  causes  will,  in  time,  extirpate  man  and  all 
forms  of  vegetable  and  animal  existence. 

Applying  this  to  the  other  bodies  of  the  solar  system,  he  ohserved,  if  the  flattened 
figure  of  the  earth  indicates  a  -once  plastic  condition,  do  we  not  observe  a  similar  figure 
impressed  on  other  bodies  of  our  system.     The  oblate  spheroid  of  Jupiter  for  example. 

There  is,  said  the  Professor,  a  theory  which  embodies  all  these  facts — he  would  refer 
to  the  nebular  hypothesis.  We  suppose  its  outlines  are  sufEciently  known.  The  pecu- 
liarities of  Saturn's  rings  were  seized  upon  as  confirmatory  of  its  truth. 

He  contended  that  it  was  evident  every  member  of  the  solar  system  had  originally  a 
Tvry  high  tempeiature,  but  has  been  gradually  cooling  from  radiation. 

If  this  were  to  proceed,  as  evidently  it  does,  without  interruption,  it  will  descend  to  a 
point  at  which  all  vitality  is  impossible,  and  must  of  necessity  cease. 

The  era  of  life,  then,  is  that  of  a  temperature  adapted  to  animal  existence,  and  is 
necessarily  short  and  bounded.  It  is  the  history  of  an  era  of  a  temperature  between 
certain  limits. 

The  lecturer  applied  this  postulate  to  Neptune,  and  showed  what  nobody  denies,  that 
no  being  like  man  can  now  exist  upon  that  planet.  He  passed  on  successively  to  Jupiter, 
Mars,  Venus  and  Mercury,  assuming  that  the  temperature  of  the  planets  exterior  to  the 
earth  is  too  low,  and  that  of  the  interior  planets  too  high  for  vegetable  and  animal  life. 

The  earth  occupies  the  temperate  zone  of  our  system.  As  to  the  moon,  the  changes 
which  our  earth's  surface,  charged  with  atmospheric  clouds,  would  continually  present 
to  a  lunarian,  are  never  correspondingly  observed  by  us  who  gaze  upon  the  moon.  The 
moon  has  neither  atmosphere  such  as  ours,  nor  twilight.  The  equatorial  temperature  of 
the  moon  must  therefore  be  lower  than  that  of  the  earth.  The  length  of  her  day  and 
night,  too,  are  other  added  conditions  equally  unfavorable  either  to  animal  or  vegetable 
life. 

The  surface  of  the  most  di-tant  planet  may,  possibly,  once  have  been  the  theatre  of 
active  life — that  is,  at  a  period,  and  during  such  period  as  was  determined  by  her  cool- 
ing down  and  remaining  at  the  temperature  suitable  for  such  circumstances.  The  gra- 
dual process  of  cooliug  from  radiation,  which  is  going  on  even  now,  in  time  will  stop  the 
wheels  of  vital  existence.  In  course  of  time  our  own  familiar  earth  becomes  sufficiently 
cool  ;  first,  for  the  lower  forms  of  animal  and  vegetable  life,  and  lastly  for  man,  the 
image  of  his  Maker,  and  the  depository  of  intellect  and  feeling. 

The  fate  of  other  planets  will  ultimately  become  our  own.  Life  extinct  here  may  pro- 
Dably  be  afterwards  observed  on  Venus  and  on  Mercury,  to  subside  even  there  into  the 
chill  of  death.  In  time  even  the  body  of  the  sun  subsides  into  frigidity.  Plants  are 
constituted  chiefly  of  carbon.  This  they  extract  from  the  air,  and  chiefly  when  the  sua 
is  shining  on  them.     With  his  feebler  radiancy  follows  the  death  of  vegetables. 

The  analogy  of  the  physical  history  of  our  own  earth  would  lead  us  to  form  such  a 
juilgment  in  reference  to  the  other  bodies  of  our  system.  If  it  be  said  water  may  be 
something  other  than  water  there,  we  must  invent  a  new  chemistry. 

Ou  each  of  the  planets  the  life  period  is  brief,  and  it  matters  little  in  reference  to  tha 
queiitioii  of  inhabitancv  at  what  date  in  the  history  of  the  univcr.'se  It  hag  sommencad 
11 


242  DESPOTISM. 

and  takes  us  with  it  around  the  sun,  at  the  rate  of  sixty-eight 
thousand  miles  in  an  hour,  or  more  than  one  hundred  times  as 
fast  as  a  cannon  ball — and  tliat  since  we  took  passage  it  has 
met  with  no  accident?  Does  he  ever  state  that  JMercury,  to 
which  Professor  IjOOUus  thinks  we  must  emigrate,  travels  in 
its  orbit  one  hundred  and  four  thousand  miles  in  an  hour  ? 
Does  he  ever  mention  that  light,  and  the  electric  telegraph, 
move  one  nullion  times  faster  than  a  cannon  ball?  Does  lie 
over  slate  that  the  whole  solar  system  would  be  destroyed,  if 
the  earth  should  vary  one  minute  in  its  annual  journey  around 
the  sun,  and  coutinue  that  variation,  or  shortening  of  its  period, 
and  deducting  one  minute  from  the  length  of  every  year  ?* 

Ali  that  we  cannot  comprehend,  we  refer  to  nature  and  say 
"this  is  the  work  of  nature."  Sound  philosophy  refers  all 
created  things  to  the  Creator,  ihe    Deity,  to  God  !     No  other 


endured  and  became  extinguished  upon  each.  In  that  most  distant  from  the  sun,  evi- 
dently, it  would  commence  lirst. 

The  fixed  stars  are  grand  belf-luminous  orbs  at  immense  distance,  our  own  sun 
dwindling  to  a  speck  upon  the  cluster.  Heat  and  light  are  well  nigh  inseparable  ;  if 
their  heat  be  equivalent  to  their  light  they  are  uninhabitable.  But  may  they  not  be 
centres  of  planetary  motion?  Only  six  of  the  seven  Pleiades  are  now  visible  to  the  na- 
ked-eye. Sirius  and  Procyon  have  each  much  projjer  motion.  Luminosity  is  not  an 
essential  property  of  stars. 

It  is  importaut  to  observe  that  those  views  do  not  necessarily  hang  for  their  soundness 
upon  the  assumption  of  the  trutli  of  the  nebular  hypothesi-,  but  are  considered  legiti- 
mate iurereiico.s  from  phenomeua  which  geologists  have  observed  upon  our  earth. 

*  The  Biiiish  Board  of  .Admiralty,  some  years  since,  offered  a  premium  of  ten  thou- 
sand pounds  for  the  most  perfect  chronometer  that  could  be  constructed.  Tlie  reward 
was  finally  pail  to  the  maker  of  one  that_varied  only  about  one  minute  in  one  year.  If 
it  had  not  varied  the  one  minute  it  would  have  been  correct  but  four  times  in  one  year, 
but  as  it  varied  one  minute  it  was  never  right !  The  earth  travels  in  three  hundred  and 
sixty-five  days,  five  hours,  and  forty-eight  minutes  and  fifty-one  seconds,  two  hundred 
and  eighty-five  millions  of  miles.  If,  at  the  creation  of  our  globe,  it  had  lost  one  min- 
ute in  its  journey  of  one  year,  like  the  best  chronometer,  and  had  continued  to  enlarge 
its  orbit  in  the  ratio  that  one  minute  bears  to  two  hundred  and  eighty-five  millions  of 
miles,  the  law  of  gi-avity  would  have  been  destroyed,  and  the  globe  w  'uld  at  this  time 
be  traveling  in  immensity  of  space,  leaving  the  sun  behind  us,  or  dashing  in  ruin  and 
confusion  among  all  the  orbs  of  Heaven  !  If  the  earth  had,  since  its  creation,  shortened 
its  journey  one  minute  every  year,  it  would  long  ago  have  fallen  into  the  sun,  and  we 
should  now  be  in  a  condition  that  poetry  alone  can  satisfactorily  describe. 


DESPOTISM.  243 

doctrine  or  theory  can  be  sustained  by  intellectual  men,  but 
ignorance  may  refer  all  to  Holy  ]VIary.  If  an  individual  could 
have  created  a  world,  the  whole  would  have  been  destroyed 
by  the  inaccuracy  of  one  minute  in  a  journey  of  two  hundred 
and  eighty-five  millions  of  miles!  If  sermons  were  occasion- 
ally to  have  illustrations  taken  from  scientific  subjects,  would 
they  not  be  more  interesting  than  the  exploded  doctrines  and 
dogmas  of  saints  and  sinners  who  lived  in  ages  of  darkness 
and  of  vice  ?  A  priest  whose  head  is  filled  with  the  imaginary 
virtues  which  he  pretends  to  believe  existed  when  virtue  had 
no  existence,  may  preach  to  Catholics,  but  he  will  have  no  be- 
lievers in  an  intelligent  community.  The  audiences  gathered 
in  our  churches  are  vastly  in  advance  of  the  priests  in  intelli- 
gence, and  do  not  believe  the  dogmas  that  are  inflicted  on 
them  :  and  on  this  account  Catholic  preaching  has  had  but 
slight  influence  on  the  character  of  Catholic  nations.  Its  want 
of  power  to  control  national  feeling,  or  to  produce  religious 
sentiment,  was  exhibited  in  horrid  detail  in  France,  in  the  out- 
break that  uprooted  society  and  all  its  best  institutions.  In 
that  horrid  contest  the  priests  were  the  most  obnoxious  class, 
and  were  murdered  to  the  last  man. 

Would  it  not  arouse  some  sleeper,  if  he  should  be  told  that 
the  sun  is  not  only  one  million  times  larger  than  the  earth,  but 
that  its  heat  is  so  great  that  imagination  can  form  no  concep- 
tion of  its  nature  or  its  power  ?  AVould  it  not  interest  every 
person  of  reflection  to  be  reminded  that  Newton  and  La 
Place,  who  have  measured  and  explained  every  law  of  astro- 
nomy, could  not  form  any  conception  of  the  nature  of  the  sun, 
nor  from  what  source  its  vast  heat  was  derived  ?  AVould  it 
not  interest  our  rich  citizens,  who  are  about  to  visit  the  world, 
to  know  that  they  must  employ  twenty-seven  thousand  years 
to  traverse  the  globe,  if  they  should  see  only  twenty  square 
miles  each  day  ? 

Light  and  the  magnetic  telegraph  travel  at  the  rate  of  oue 


244  DESPOTISM 

Iiundred  and  ninety  thousand  miles  every  second  of  time,  and 
at  tills  rate  it  would  require  three  and  a  half  years  to  reach 
the  nearest  fixed  star.  The  li^ht  which  comes  to  us  from 
Sirius  has  to  travel  sixteen  years  to  reach  the  earth  ;  that 
from  Arcturus  twenty-nine  years ;  that  from  the  Polar  Star 
thirty-live  years;  and  that  from  all  the  most  distant  stars, 
amounting  to  two  millions,  eighty-one  years!  If  the  distant 
stars  were  at  this  moment  to  be  struck  out  of  existence,  we 
siiould  have  their  light  for  eighty-one  years  !  The  Polar  Star 
was  once  supposed  to  be  exactly  north,  and  that  it  would  be 
forever  fixed  at  the  pole.  Modern  discoverers  have  shown 
that  it  never  was  directly  north,  and  never  will  be.  It  was 
once  more  than  twelve  degrees  from  the  north  pole,  but  now 
is  less  than  two  degrees.  It  will  be  still  nearer,  and  then  will 
recede  iln-  thirteen  thousand  years,  and  in  twenty-six  thousand 
3'ears  it  will  return  to  the  same  place  that  it  now  occupies. 
In  thirteen  thousand  years  Libra  will  exchange  places  with  it, 
and  will  then  be  the  Polar  Star. 

La  Place  has  pictured  in  vivid  colors,  the  awful  consequen- 
ces which  would  ensue  from  the  collision  of  a  comet  with  the 
earth,  and  Biela's  comet  has  within  a  few  years  crossed  the 
earth's  orbit  at  the  point  which  was  occupied  by  the  earth,  ex- 
actly thirty  days  after  !  If  the  earth  had  been  fifteen  days 
earlier  in  its  journey,  a  tide  would  have  been  produced  which 
would  have  submerged  the  whole  earth,  and  drowned  every 
being.  If  we  had  at  any  past  age,  an  entire  submersion,  it 
was  from  such  a  cause.  If  we  had  been  thirty  days  earlier  in 
our  annual  course,  the  comet  and  the  earth  would  have  had  a 
collision,  the  consequences  of  which,  a  poetic  imagination  may 
invest  with  awful  interest.  That  the  orbs  of  heaven  have  had 
such  collisions,  and  will  again  be  subject  to  them,  cannot  be 
doubted  by  those  who  are  familiar  with  the  deepest  research- 
es, the  soundest  induction,  and  the  clearest  analogies.  It  is  a 
fact  well  known  to  mathematicians,  that  the  comet  of  1770  was 


DESPOTISM.  .245 

in  contact  with  the  satellites  of  Jupiter;  and  may  come  in 
contact  with  the  earth.  The  great  comet  of  1680,  at  its  peri- 
helion, approached  one  hundred  and  sixty  times  nearer  to  the 
sun  than  the  earth,  being  only  one  hundred  and  thirty  thou- 
sand miles  from  the  surface  of  the  sun.  The  heat  which  it 
must  have  received  from  the  sun,  was  estimated  to  be  equal  to 
twenty-eight  thousand  times  that  wnich  the  earth  receives,  and 
two  thousand  times  hotter  than  red  hot  iron,*  said  Mrs.  Put- 
nam. 


*  The  following  is  from  Mr,  Dana's  address  delivered  before  the  scientific  society  at 
Providence,  R.  I. 

1.  That  through  the  periods  of  the  Silurian  and  Devonian,  at  twelve  distinct  epochs 
at  least,  the  seas  over  this  continent  were  swept  of  all  or  nearly  all  existing  life,  and  as 
many  times  it  was  repeopled. 

n.  That  the  continent  of  North  America  has  never  been  the  deep  ocean's  bed  ;  but  a 
region  of  comparatively  shallow  seas,  and  at  times  emerging  land,  and  was  marked  out 
in  its  great  outlines  even  in  the  earliest  Silurian. 

ni.  That  during  the  first  half  of  the  lower  Silurian  era,  the  whole  East  and  West  were 
alike  in  being  covered  with  the  sea. 

IV.  That  the  changes  of  level  over  the  continent,  through  the  upper  Silurian  and  De- 
vonian, had  some  reference  to  the  border  region  of  the  continent  ;  the  formations  ap- 
proach or  recede  from  it,  and  sometimes  pass  it,  according  to  the  limits  of  the  oscillation 
eastward  or  westward  Along  the  course  of  the  border  itself  there  were  deep  subsiden- 
ces in  slow  progress,  as  is  shown  by  the  thickness  of  the  beds. 

The  following  is  from  Professor  Alexander's  address  at  the  same  place  : 

By  a  most  masterly  use  of  circumstantial  evidence  of  a  delicate  nature.  Prof.  Alexan- 
der has  arrived  at  almost  a  certainty  that  in  the  space  between  Mars  and  Jupiter  once 
revolved  a  planet  a  little  more  than  2-8  times  as  far  from  the  Sun  as  our  earth.  The 
equatorial  diameter  was  about  70,000  miles,  but  the  polar  diameter  only  8  miles  !  It 
■was  not  a  globe  but  a  wafer,  nay  a  disk  of  a  thickness  of  only  one  1-9,000  of  its  diame- 
ter. Its  time  of  revolution  was  3,698  days,  say  3  days  15  hours  44  minutes.  The  incli- 
nation of  its  orbit  to  the  ecliptic  was  about  4"^.  It  met  a  fate  that  might  have  been  an- 
ticipated from  so  thin  a  body  whirling  so  furiously,  for  its  motion  on  its  axis  was  1-1 6th 
of  its  velocity  in  its  orbit,  say  2,477  miles  per  hour.  It  burst  as  grind-stones  and  fly- 
wheels sometimes  do.  We  have  found  35  fragments  of  it,  and  call  them  asteroids. 
When  it  burst  some  parts  were  moving  2,477  miles  per  hour  faster  than  the  center  did, 
and  some  as  much  slower  ;  that  is,  some  parts  moved  4,954  miles  per  hour  faster  than 
the  others.  These  described  a  much  larger  orbit  than  the  planet  did,  and  the  place 
where  it  burst  was  their  perihelion.  Others  described  a  smaller  orbit,  because  they  left 
that  point  with  a  diminished  velocity, — it  was  their  aphelion.  Some  flew  above  the  orbit 
of  the  planet,  and  had  their  ascending  node.  Others  flew  below,  and  it  was  their  de- 
Boending  node.     They  seemed  to  go  almost  in   pairs.     Two  went  very  far  out  of  the 


/ 

246  DESPOTISM. 

Sister,  of  what  use  is  it  for  you  to  study  these  subjects,  and 
to  burthen  your  memory  with  astronomy,  and  all  the  sciences, 
and  morals,  and  statistics,  and  all  the  studies  which  belong  to 
Professors,  and  to  statesmen  ?  Do  you  wish  for  an  engage- 
ment to  deliver  a  course  of  lectures  before  any  of  our  scientific 
societies  ?  If  you  do,  I  will  speak  to  Dr.  Cogswell,  or  to  JMr. 
Crerar,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  want  no  engagement  of  any  kind,  but  I  desire  to  contem- 
plate a  Creator,  as  a  visible,  and  a  real  existence,  as  I  believe 
he  is  revealed  to  the  eye  of  the  Christian  philosopher.  I  wish 
to  contemplate  a  Deity  without  the  aid  of  a  metaphysical  jar- 
gon, and  the  more  miserable  invention  of  a  Holy  Mary.  If  a 
Holy  Mary  is  without  sin,  she  is  God,  or  equal  with  God,  and 
cannot  be  separated  in  the  mind  from   God,  and    the  Creator 


plane  of  the  orbit,  so  that  they  pass  the  limits  of  the  zodiac,  and  it  is  found  that  the 
ascending  node  of  18  corresponds  nearly  with  the  descending  node  of  17.  So  nearly 
even  were  they  distributed.  And  thin  as  was  the  planet,  it  had  not  coded  so  much  at 
the  time  of  the  explosion,  that  none  of  the  fragments  could  assume  a  spherical  form. 

Space  would  fail  us  to  show  how  the  Professor  developed  these  facts  one  by  one.  The 
planet's  place  was  first  to  be  found.  Three  or  four  independent  processes  were  used  for 
this  and  they  agreed  surprisingly.  He  interpolated  it  as  a  lost  term  in  a  geometric  se- 
ries from  Mars  to  Saturn,  for  the  first  approximation.  He  compared  it  with  Saturn 
and  Jupiter,  and  with  Mars  and  Jupiter.  He  found  where  a  planet  would  be  dropped  oflf 
in  the  successive  cooling  and  conttacting  of  the  solar  system.  And  he  compared  its  or- 
bit for  size  and  ellipticity  with  those  of  the  asteroids.  Some  of  them  gave  solutions 
very  far  from  the  average  ;  rejecting  these  the  others  coincided  with  previous  deduc- 
tions and  with  each  other  surprisingly.  Its  day  he  found  by  Kirkwood's  analogy.  Its 
equatorial  diameter  was  the  result  of  two  calculations,  one  of  which  would  inevitably 
give  a  result  too  large  and  the  other  too  small  in  all  cases  when  the  planet  did  not  ex- 
plode at  its  equinox,  when  it  would  be  exact.  These  numbers  were  7S,425  and  68,656 
miles.     A  just  comparison  gave  70,470.     But  we  can  follow  these  calculations  no  further. 

It  is  curious  to  see  how  the  history  of  this  planet  verifies  the  theory  of  La  Place,  that 
a  heavenly  body  must  be  either  nearly  a  sphere  or  a  disk,  and  that  the  latter  must  be 
unstab^.  And  this  reminded  Prof.  Alexander  again  to  allude  to  the  earth's  ring— the 
Zodiacal  Light.  He  had  long  been  convinced  that  the  Moon  could  not  be  the  only  satel- 
lite thrown  off  by  our  planet  in  taking  on  its  present  form,  but  knew  not  where  to  look 
for  the  rest.  A  more  careful  calculation  of  the  data  furnished  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones, 
had  given  him  for  the  diameter  of  the  ring  17,000  miles,  and  a  time  of  about  half  a  day 
for  rotation.  And  curiously  enough,  half  a  day  was  the  time  that  had  been  assigned  by 
a  previous  calculation  for  the  revolution  of  an  aerolite  around  the  earth. 


DESPOTISM,  247 

of  all  things,  and  the  just  recipient  of  all  the  worship  which 
intellectual  man  can  bestow.  She  is  either  God  or  mortal — 
and  all  the  Catholic  inventions,  delusions,  and  abstractions, 
cannot  place  her  in  any  other  position  before  an  intellectual 
age.  We  defy  all  the  popes  and  bishops  now  living  to  con- 
vince a  reflecting  man  that  Holy  Mary  is  not  one  of  these 
two.  The  delusions  of  ignorance  shall  not  prevent  intellectual 
men  from  asserting  facts  which  all  the  power  of  sophistry  can- 
not overthrow. 

These  inventions  have  been  the  employment  of  popes  for 
fifteen  hundred  years,  and  have  by  their  folly,  driven  religion 
as  a  sentiment  from  half  the  world  ;  and  it  is  time  that  a  pure 
religion  should  be  enshrined  for  the  worship  of  an  intellectual 
people,  in  an  intellectual  age.  The  whole  world  for  untold 
ages  was  involved  in  pagan  darkness,  worshiping  stocks, 
stones,  fire,  the  sun,  the  golden  calf,  and  every  created  thing 
that  the  darkened  intellect  could  invest  with  holy  qualities.  At 
the  moment  that  the  human  intellect  had  advanced  to  a  cer- 
tain point  in  its  capacities,  a  clear  conception  of  a  God,  the 
Creator,  was  revealed  to  man. 

This  point  of  time  was  the  introduction  of  Christianity,  and 
the  intellectual  portion  of  the  world  hailed  it  as  the  dawn  of  a 
perfect  day.  The  Scriptures,  and  one  God,  were  the  great 
elements  which  were,  they  hoped,  to  redeem  the  world  from 
all  the  horrid  rites,  performed  under  the  name  of  religion. — 
The  eye  of  ignorance  and  superstition  could  worship  fire,  or 
any  visible  God,  but  they  could  not,  previous  to  the  introduc- 
tion of  Christianity,  worship  a  Creator,  and  a  God,  that  the 
eye  could  not  see. 

The  sublime  mission  of  Christianity,  was  to  elevate  the 
world  by  tiie  knowledge  it  conveyed  of  one  God,  the  creator 
of  all  things.  The  God  alone !  For  centuries  the  early 
Christians  sacrificed  their  lives,  in  endeavors  to  abolish  idols, 
and  the  worship  of  human  Gods  of  which  the  early  Eomans  had 


248  DESPOTISM. 

enshrined  hundreds  like  our  holy  Mary.  In  the  third  century 
the  bishops  of  Eome  had  obtained  power,  and  then  commenced 
the  decline  of  pure  rehgion  and  the  multiphcation  or  manufac- 
ture of  Gods  and  their  dogmas,  and  in  a  few  centuries  they 
had  as  many  Gods,  and  saints  who  were  Gods,  as  the  pagan 
nations. 

They  still  manufacture  these  Gods  without  pretending  to 
claim  the  authority  of  the  Bible,  and  they  will  continue  to 
manufacture  them  to  the  end  of  time.  The  Christian  world 
accused  the  Catholics  of  enshrining  an  idolatrous  host  of  Gods, 
equal  in  number  to  the  worst  pagan  nations. 

The  pope  replied  that  their  four  Gods,  and  their  one  hundred 
saints,  although  worshiped,  were  all  of  them  but  one  God,  and 
therefore  not  idolatrous.  Those  who  did  not  admit  that  all  the 
Gods  taken  together,  were  but  one  God,  were  punished  as  in- 
fidels, and  millions  lost  their  lives.  The  Catholics  are  rapidly 
receding  to  paganism  and  the  worship  of  unknown  and  untold 
Gods  of  human  origin  and  human  imperfection.  The  intellect 
knows  and  acknowledges  but  one  God,  the  creator  and  pre- 
server of  all  things. 

We  despise  their  ignorance,  their  doctrine,  and  their  foolish 
inventions,  and  we  want  nothing  of  Catholics,  but  their  presence 
on  the  soil  of  despotism,  ignorance,  and  degradation.  This 
condition  they  can  easily  find  in  Europe,  but  they  will  not  be 
permitted  to  transfer  their  dogmas  and  their  degradation  to 
our  free  soil. 

A  true  Christian  philosopher  sees  a  Creator  arrayed  in 
smiles,  and  with  science  in  one  hand,  and  religion 
or  a  consistent  faith  in  the  other;  and  offering  both  to  us 
as  his  expounders,  and  allowing  us  to  regard  both  as  his  best 
revelations.  A  class  of  men,  self-styled  philosophers,  have  spec- 
ulated for  two  thousand  years  upon  the  theory  of  the  Creation  ; 
and  not  one  of  them  has  ever  given  us  one  particle  of  light 
upon  it,  and   never  will.      One  of  the  most  eminent  of  the 


DESPOTISM.  249 

ancient  philosophers,  whose  works  are  still  quoted,  (Aristotle,) 
thought  that  he  had  discovered  that  the  woild  was  not  creat- 
ed, but  that  it  grew  like  a  cabbage  !  This  same  philosopher 
did  not  know  enough  to  comprehend  how  the  globe  could  turn 
on  its  own  axis;  ife  could  not,  he  said,  "  move  fast  enough  for 
that." 

The  ages  that  have  preceded  us,  have  been  Catholic,  and  all 
science  was  driven  from  the  world  by  persecution ;  the 
present  age  is  an  age  of  light,  and  dogmas  and  ignorance  have 
been  forever  exploded.  Such  have  been  the  recent  discoveries 
that  light  and  knowledge,  are  in  this  country  nearly  universal, 
and  an  ignorant  man  can  rarely  be  found. 

Astronomers  have  counted  two  millions  of  stars,  and  each 
star  is  a  sun  to  a  solar  system,  all  of  which  are  visible,  and 
probably  five  hundred  times  as  many  more  that  are  nut  visible. 
He  must  be  a  bold  astronomer,  who  shall  attempt  to  fix  the 
number  of  systems.  The  same  power  framed  them  all,  and 
set  them  in  motion,  and  for  our  safety  keeps  them  in  their 
proper  places.  The  first  undertake  to  show  how  the  world 
was  made ;  they  are  a  kind  of  spiritualists,  or  speculators  on 
the  credulity  of  their  readers.  The  second  class  study  the  laws 
of  Providence,  and  reveal  them  to  all  who  are  capable  of  com- 
prehending them.  The  last  are  men  of  genius,  and  in  this  class 
are  comprehended  astronomers,  mathematicians,  and  all  who 
make  science  a  study ;  and  they  command  the  respect  of  all 
the  world.  They  show  us  that  the  laws  which  they  have  dis- 
covered could  not  have  been  made  if  they  had  not  been 
impressed  on  all  things,  at  the  moment  when  they  were  cre- 
ated. They  show  the  existence  of  the  creative  power,  as 
clearly  as  the  existence  of  all  laws  shows  that  a  power  to  make 
them  existed,  or  the  laws  would  not  have  been  made.  The 
Catholics  before  the  reformation  used  to  haug  and  burn,  and 
stretch  on  the  wheel  of  the  Inquisition,  both  classes  of  these 
philosophers,  for  the  reason  that  their  discoveries  positively 
11* 


250  DESPOTISM. 

contradicted  their  self-invented  dogmas ;  and  lessened  the 
respect  for  the  priests,  and  their  power  to  tyrannize 
over  the  souls,  and  bodies  of  an  ignorant  people.  Gali- 
leo, the  illustrious  Florentine  astronomer,  was  in  the  cells 
of  the  Inquisition  in  1G15,  and  again  in  1633,  and  was 
allowed  his  life  on  condition  only,  of  denying  that  he  ever  be- 
lieved the  truth  of  his  greatest  discoveries.  He  had  proclaimed 
that  the  world  moved  around  the  sun,  and  he  was  compelled 
to  tell  a  falsehood  to  save  his  life,  and  to  say  that  it  did  not 
move  around  the  sun,  and  in  this  way  escaped  from  the  horrid 
Catholic  inquisition ! 

Copernicus,  a  native  of  Thorn,  in  Prussia,  made  discoveries 
that  astonished  his  friends, and  in  1530  he  completed  a  work  that 
is  now  constantly  referred  to  by  scientific  men.  This  work  he 
did  not  dare  to  publish  till  1543,  when  the  Cardinal,  and  Pope's 
legate,  were  bribed  to  allow  its  publication. 

An  Irishman  by  the  name  of  Hughes,  recently  delivered  a 
lecture  before  a  scientific  society  in  the  city  of  New  York.  In 
this  lecture  he  argued  that  the  reformation  was  a  great  error, 
and  that  oral  teaching  for  the  people  was  more  beneficial  than 
the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  and  all  men  should  be  guided  by 
Popes,  and  should  not  have  a  Bible,  or  be  divided  in  religious 
sentiment. 

This  insult  to  an  intelligent  audience,  was  repeated  more  re- 
cently, by  a  man  by  the  name  of  Ives,  who  stated  before  a 
New  York  audience,  that  oral  teaching  for  the  masses  was 
preferable  to  thinking  for  themselves,  because  all  could  in  this 
way  be  made  to  entertain  the  P(<pe's  view,  which  must  always 
be  right.  These  views,  he  said,  Catholics  had  always  held,  and 
they  always  would.  These  sentiments  came  from  a  man, 
whom  charity  compels  us  to  say,  is  too  ignorant,  or  too  imbe- 
cile to  utter  any  truths.  He  has  preached  the  doctrine  of  too 
many  sectarian  parties,  to  command  respect  from  sensible  men, 


DESPOTISM,  251 

while  in  the  benighted  school  which  for  a  short  time  he  is* ad- 
vocating. 

The  sentiments  advocated  by  Hughes  and  Ives,  have  by  re- 
taining the  masses  in  ignorance,  deluged  the  world  in  blood. 
Every  thing  English,  every  thing  American,  v^'as  denounced  by 
these  men,  but  every  thing  Irish,  and  every  thing  in  Catholic 
Europe,  vi'aa  vi^orthy  of  all  commendation.  These  men  stated 
as  a  great  triumph,  that -in  Catholic  Europe,  not  a  church  was 
open  for  the  worship  of  a  Protestant,  and  not  a  cemetery  for 
the  reception  of  his  remains,  and  they  were  sure  there  never 
would  be ! 

It  is  a  singular  circumstance,  that  Hughes,  in  his  recent  ad- 
<lress  in  an  Engish  Colony,  paid  the  President  of  the  United 
States  a  high  compliment,  by  saying  that  he  was  Hughes' 
friend.  Now  it  is  no  less  sinaular^  that  if  the  Prei-ident  should 
visit  Eome,  and  there  hold  his  Presbyterian  prayer-meetings, 
he  would  be  imprisoned.  This  is  the  treatment  of  a  class  of 
men  who  call  us  infidels,  and  wish  us  to  pay  for  schooling 
their  children  in  their  own  pernicious  doctrine.  Not  a  book 
can  be  read  in  a  Catholic  school  in  this  country  which  is  "not 
approved  by  the  Pope — and  not  a  book  can  be  imported  into 
Catholic  Europe  that  has  not  his  approval  !  Pope  Innocent 
the  third,  by  his  famous  bull,  prohibited  the  reading  of  any 
book  but  those  called  theological;  and  whole  Ubraries  of  sci- 
entific works,  and  classic  literature,  were  destroyed  ! 

Very  recently  a  priest  in  Ireland  was  accused  of  burning  a 
cart-load  of  books,  among  which  were  the  works  of  our  great- 
est poets,  and  a  liberal  stock  of  Protestant  Bibles  :  the  whole 
of  which  were  brought  to  him  at  the  confessional.  These 
same  Catholics  have  always  claimed  that  we  owe  them  a  deep 
•debt  of  gratitude  for  the  classic  literature  that  they  have  trans- 
mitted to  us.  Hughes  will  not  find  it  in  good  taste  to  insult 
another  audience  with  his  Catholic  dogmas. 

The  Eoman  Catholics  have  always  opposed   the  elevation 


252  DESPOTISM, 

and  advancement  of  society,  and  always  will,  Newton,  and 
his  followers  in  the  schools  of  science,  have  done  more  in  re- 
cent times,  to  dispell  the  darkness  of  preceding  ages,  than  all 
the  Popes  and  all  the  priests  have  ever  accomplished,  or  ever 
Avill  accomplish.  The  truth  of  this  is  familiar  to  all  who  have 
visited  Catholic  Europe. 

Protestants,  and  all  reflecting  men,  should  read  the  works 
of  those  who  have  seen  the  condition  .of  the  lower  classes  in 
Catholic  Europe.  The  reading  world  do  not  know,  and  can- 
not know,  the  condition  of  European  Catholic  demoralization, 
]\[r.  Thackeray  has  exhausted  a  course  of  lectures  in  enlight- 
tMiing  us  in  the  degrading  habits  and  the  disgusting  vices  of 
English  royalty  and  English  aristocracy.  For  the  credit  of 
England,  if  not  for  the  credit  of  Mr.  Thackeray,  I  wish  he 
had  not  proclaimed  the  depravity  of  his  own  sovereigns,  and 
liis  own  times;  enough  was  known  of  these  before  we  were 
favored  with  his  disgusting  developments. 

The  lower  scenes  of  life,  the  scenes  of  suftering,  are  not  de- 
tailed in  books,  and  they  cannot  be. 

Mr.  Lyman  of  Boston  some  years  ago  visited  Europe,  and 
in  Italy  he  paused  in  astonishment !  I  cannot  tell  you  what 
be  saw.  Mr.  Lyman  was  a  gentleman  of  wealth  and  literary 
taste,  but  he  had  never  given  any  attention  to  human  life,  in 
its  varied  aspects. 

In  Italy,  his  astonishment  knew  no  bounds !  When  he  re- 
turned he  wrote  a  book,  and  gave  loose  reins  to  his  descrip- 
tive powers — but  still  kept  within  the  bounds  of  truth.  The 
book  produced  such  a  sensation,  that  his  friends  begged  him 
to  suppress  it,  and  he  did  suppress  it — and  you  will  never 
have  a  description  of  Catholic  life  in  its  lowest  condition  till 
you  visit  Europe. 

The  lower  classes  are  brutes  in  their  habits  of  life,  and  inter- 
course is  promiscuous.  Southern  blacks  are  elevated,  civil- 
ized, and  pure,  compared  with  the  masses  found  in  countless 


DESPOTISM.  253 

numbers  in  every  Catholic  city.  From  these  most  degrading 
classes  we  are  constantly  receiving  their  lowest,  spawning,  ani- 
mal life,  and  it  will  soon  be  too  late  to  hope  for  any  improve- 
ment in  the  condition  of  our  own  degraded  and  suffering 
classes,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Sister,  is  this  religion  or  philosopny  which  you  have  given 
us  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

It  is  neither — it  is  common  sense,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

I  must  admit  that  there  is  both  truth  and  beauty  in  some  of 
your  views — but  are  you  sure  they  are  orthodox  ?  I  can  be- 
lieve no  new  doctrine  till  I  consult  my  minister.  I  understood 
you  to  say  that  the  Catholics  have  four  Gods,  and  one  hun- 
dred saints  who  are  Gods,  and  that  they  are  not  all  one  God, 
and  710  more.  Now  I  must  say  that  the  Catholics  are  correct, 
and  in  that  particular  I  differ  from  you.  Our  minister  is 
always  correct,  and  he  says  that  three  Gods  are  all  one  God, 
and  one  God  is  three  Gods.  Now  is  it  not  probable  that  four 
Gods  and  one  hundred  saints  are  one  God,  and  therefore  not 
idolatrous  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  advocate  no  sectarian  doctrine,  but  I  wish  to  construct  a 
temple  and  dedicate  it  to  the  Known  God,  and  in  it  I  wish  to 
see  the  whole  intellectual  world  bowing  in  adoration  to  our 
Creator.  For  your  religious  faith  you  must  go  to  your  minis- 
ter and  your  Bible,  and  not  look  to  me,  said  Mrs.  Putnam,  as 
she  left  the  parlor. 


254  DESPOTISM 


CHAPTER     VIII. 


THE    PLEDGE. 

Yet  here  high  passions,  high  desires  unfold, 
Prompting  to  noblest  deeds  ;  here  links  of  gold 
Bind  soul  to  soul  ;  and  thoughts  divine  inspire 
A  thirst  unquenchable,  a  holy  fire 
That  will  not,  cannot  but  with  life  expire  I 

Rogers. 

Well,  sister,  we  will  leave  preaching  to  the  ministers,  and 
science  to  the  professors.  This  is  my  reception  day,  and  I 
am  sure  we  shall  have  calls.  Here  comes  one — I  think  it  is 
Mr.  Cox.     Ask  him  into  the  parlor. 

Mr.  Cox,  I  am  happy  to  see  you.  Did  you  know  that  you 
have  been  the  subject  of  conversation  ?  I  will  introduce  you 
to  my  sister,  Mrs.  Putnam,  of  New  Haven,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mr.  Cox,  my  sister  thinks  you  have  some  miraculous  power 
— not  exactly  to  turn  things  into  gold,  but  into  something 
better,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Mrs.  Putnam,  this  is  your  sister's  bouse ;  around  it,  and  in 


DESPOTISM  255 

it,  is  an  atmo55phere  of  health,  purity,  and  happiness  ;  nothing 
reaches  me  that  can  be  changed  for  the  better,  and  I  hope  it 
will  be  a  long  time  before  I  consent  to  change  any  thing  for 
the  worse ;  your  sister  hears  me,  and  I  cannot  speak  as  I 
would,  said  Mr.  Cox 

Mr.  Cox,  do  you  not  think  that  this  is  an  age  of  great  in- 
tellectual activity  ?  Are  not  great  men  working  out  great 
results  ?  Are  they  not  purifying  society,  and  promoting  the 
advancement  of  civilization,  and  the  elevation  of  the  suffering 
classes  ?  asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

I  am  sure  of  it.  There  never  was  an  age  in  which  so  much 
was  undertaken,  and  so  much  encouragement  given  to  perse- 
vere. From  a  den  of  vice,  we  shall  change  this  great  city  in- 
to a  temple  of  purity.  The  suppression  of  six  thousand  drink- 
ing places  will  accomplish  this — I  am  absolutely  sure  of  it, 
said  Mr.  Cox. 

Mr.  Cox,  what  is  your  opinion  of  ragged  schools — are  they 
the  means  of  enlarging  the  area  of  virtue,  and  of  benefitting 
our  poor,  hard-working,  and  suffering  females  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Putnam. 

I  regard  them  as  the  greatest  blessings  of  the  age.  We  can- 
not have  half  enough  of  them.  Where  are  all  the  teachers  to 
come  from  ? — none  are  paid.  We  want  five  hundred  at  least. 
There  are  hundreds  of  these  schools  now  open,  and  I  do  not 
believe  that  one  child  in  twenty  attends  them.  While  these 
children  are  fed,  and  taught,  the  poor  mothers  are  allowed  to 
work  for  their  daily  food,  without  which  they  would  suffer. — 
It  is  difficult  to  tell  which  is  most  benefited,  the  mother  or  the 
child.  All  Europe  is  now  sending  us  their  beggars,  caut^ed 
by  Catholic  vice  and  ignorance.  Our  cities  will  soon  sink 
down  into  a  moral  pollution,  more  awful  than  existed  in  those 
cities  which  were  rebuked  by  our  Saviour  for  their  abomina- 
ble vices.  No  respectable  female  can  live  in  this  cit}^  by  her 
own  industry.     She   cannot  procure    the   coarsest  fare  with 


256  DESPOTISM. 

her  diiily  earnings — she  will  be  reduced  to  starvation  !  It  is 
more  than  ministers  can  bear,  they  cannot  look  upon  such 
scenes  of  wretchedness  in  this  beautiful  city.  Schools  will 
improve  our  condition,  but  schools  alone  cannot  accomplish 
all  that  we  need  ;  we  must  have  le.ss  of  the  Catholic  degrading 
vices.  The  ragged  schools  are  among  the  best  institutions  of 
this  Christian  age  ;  they  lay  the  foundation  early  for  every 
virtue.  I  have  recently  seen  a  young  person  who  was  rescued 
in  early  life  from  scenes  of  vice,  by  an  angel  in  human 
form,  and  she  is  now  a  highly  respectable  citizen.  The 
ragged  schools,  and  the  Sunday  schools,  will  change  the 
whole  face  of  society  in  its  lower  walks,  if  we  can  only  check 
the  importation  of  paupers  and  criminals.  The  ragged 
schools  take  care  during  the  day,  of  all  the  small  children  tliat 
can  be  admitted,  and  that  the  funds  of  the  school  will  sup- 
port. These  schools  are  doubly  valuable,  as  they  benefit  both 
the  scholars  and  the  teachers  ;  they  draw  out  the  energies  of 
a  virtuous  class  of  teachers,  and  strengthen  the  citadel  of  re- 
ligious influences.  To  the  rising  generation  they  are  the  bea- 
con lights  to  guide  them  from  error  to  truth,  from  vice  to 
virtue,  from  the  lowest  condition  to  one  of  respectability.  In 
these  schools,  springs  up  many  a  good  resolve,  many  a  strong 
determined  eff'ort,  and  here  every  seed  of  virtue  has  a  rapid 
growth.  From  these  schools  they  are  transplanted,  and  their 
influence  enlarged.  They  spread  like  a  gentle  stream,  enlarg- 
ing their  circle  as  they  pass  down,  embracing  all  that  is  good, 
adding  influence  to  influence,  strength  to  strength,  beauty  to 
beauty,  and  their  life  shall  be  eternal,  said  Mr.  Cox. 

Mr.  Cox,  why  is  it  that  we  cannot  raise  the  standard  of 
morals,  and  place  such  influences  around  the  young,  as  will 
elevate  and  purify  their  character  ?  asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Large  cities  are  ever  sowing  vice,  and  reaping  a  rich  har- 
vest of  sickness,  povert)^,  vice,  and  sufiering ;  if  we  can  only 
cleanse  this  age,  the  next  will  protect  itself     The  best  institu- 


DESPOTISM.  257 

tions  of  this  age,  we  owe  to  the  best  men  of  the  past  age. 
There  are  ten  men  now  engaged  in  debasing  and  demoralizing 
Bociety,  for  one  that  is  engaged  in  benefiting  or  elevating  it. 
There  is  ten  times  as  much  money  made  by  the  vices,  as  is 
spent  in  support  of  the  virtuous  institutions  of  society.  In 
one  of  the  European  states,  every  sixth  man  is  an  intemperate 
man  ;  when  this  state  of  things  exists  in  this  city,  there  will 
not  be  virtue  enough  left  to  respect  any  law,  civil  or  divine  ; 
and  we  are  very  near  that  point,  when  a  lawyer,  for  a  small 
fee,  or  a  judge  for  a  large  one  will  nullify  the  best  law  ever 
made,  said  Mr.  Cox. 

Mr.  Cox,  you  preach  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  I  believe  ?  said 
Mrs.  Putnam. 

I  do,  said  Mr.  Cox. 

I  shall  certainly  attend  your  church  while  in  the  city,  said 
Mrs.  Putnam,  as  Mr.  Cox  left  the  parlor. 

Sister,  I  shall  return  to  New  Haven  to-morrow.  Time  has 
flown  rapidly  ;  it  seems  but  yesterday  that  I  left  home,  and  I 
have  been  with  you  over  two  weeks.  I  am  much  pleased 
with  Mr.  Cox  and  with  all  your  friends;  I  have  never  been 
acquainted  with  any  minister  of  such  intellectual  resources ; 
he  embellishes  everything  he  touches.  "What  is  there  in  this 
world  so  noble  as  splendid  talents,  united  to  soul-stirring  elo- 
quence, and  all  devoted  to  the  good  of  those  around  us;  these 
men  are  now  found  everywhere.  A  few  years  ago,  he  was 
the  best  man  who  believed  in  the  most  saints,  and  the  greatest 
number  of  unintelligible  dogmas.  I  regard  you  as  the  hap- 
piest person  in  the  city  ;  but  allow  me,  since  I  have  seen  some- 
thing of  your  city,  to  suggest  that  the  influence  of  us  all 
should  be  exerted  to  improve  society,  and  to  lessen  the  suffer- 
ings of  those  who  are  constantly  descending  from  competency 
to  abject  want.  There  must  ever  be  great  sufi"erings,  where 
there  are  great  vices,  and  the  rising  generation  are  always 
their  first  victims.     Youth  neglected  is  an  old  age  of  vice ; 


258  DESPOTISM. 

vice  spread  abroad  is  constantly  enlarging  the  circle  of  its 
contagion,  and  in  your  city  its  consequences  are  already  seen 
and  felt,  and  should  demand  the  immediate  attention  of  all  re- 
flecting persons.  To  put  your  city  in  a  decent  condition,  will 
require  other  workers  besides  Mayt)r  Wood,  Mr.  Pease,  Mr. 
Tracy,  and  all  the  charitable  societies,  and  all  the  charitable 
individuals  now  employed.  I  shall  leave  Emma  a  few  days 
longer  ;  she  is  enjoying  so  much  that  I  cannot  willingly  require 
her  to  return  with  me.  I  know  that  every  day  spent  in  your 
house,  will  be  to  her  a  new  lesson  in  the  practical  duties  of 
life,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

You  must  allow  us  to  have  more  of  Emma's  society;  we 
are  never  n)ore  happy  than  when  she  is  with  us.  Her  inquis- 
itive disposition,  her  mature  mind,  her  lively  conversation,  are 
sources  of  constant  delight;  I  cannot  think  of  her  return. 
"When  I  visit  New  Haven  I  will  take  her  with  me,  said  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

Mrs.  Putnam  returned  to  New  Haven.  The  next  morning 
Emma  was  seen  at  an  early  hour  in  the  parlor  waiting  for  her 
aunt. 

Aunt  Phelps,  will  you  walk  to  Broadway  with  me  to-day  ? 
asked  Emma. 

Why  to  Broadway?  asked  Llrs.  Phelps. 

I  saw  a  sweet  child  selling  apples,  and  I  want  to  see  her 
again  ;  she  was  very  pretty,  said  Emma. 

What  if  you  did,  there  are  hundreds  of  them  in  the  street, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  am  going  to  talk  to  her;  did  you  say  that  none  of  these 
children  have  parents  ?  asked  Emma. 

The  most  of  the  parents  are  dead,  but  those  who  are  alive 
are  worse  than  dead ;  they  have  been  ruined  by  the  bad  influ- 
ences placed  around  them  by  designing  men,  first  in  Catholic 
countries,  and  again  in  this  great  city.  We  are  determined 
to  have  all  the  children  sent  to  school,  or  to  asylums,  and 


DESPOTISM.  259 

kept  from  their  parents,  and  the  contagion  of  Catholic  society, 
said  Mrs.  Plielps. 

Do  you  know  whether  the  girl  with  blaclc  eyes  has  any  pa- 
rents? asked  Emma. 

I  do  not,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Then  I  will  find  out,  said  Emma. 

Mrs.  Phelps  and  Emma  walked  slowly  down  Broaaway. 

How  very  rich  these  men  who  live  in  Broadway  must  be  ! 
Do  they  own  all  the  stores  and  houses,  and  all  the  rich  things 
that  we  see  in  this  splendid  street  ?  asked  Emma. 

Some  persons  own  them  all,  but  all  the  persons  we  see  in 
the  stores  are  not  rich,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Why  do  little  children  starve,  when  people  are  so  rich  ?  I 
think  the  rich  men  should  feed  and  clothe  the  suffering  chil- 
dren, said  Emma. 

The  rich  men  and  rich  ladies  would  clothe  them,  if  so 
many  weie  not  brought  from  miserable  Catholic  nations.  Em- 
ma, you  have  passed  a  number  of  children  ;  which  is  the  one 
that  you  wished  to  converse  with  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  know  I  have  passed  a  number,  but  I  have  not  seen  the 
one  that  I  saw  the  other  day.  Here  she  is  1  This  is  the  very 
child  !  Look  at  me  !  Yes,  she  has  the  same  black  eyes. 
What  is  your  name  ?  asked  Emma. 

Isabella,  madam  ;  will  you  buy  an  apple  ? 

I  am  surprised  to  see  such  a  face ;  look  up  at  me,  said  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

Will  you  buy  an  apple,  ladies  ?  Just  one,  oh  do  !  I  have 
not  sold  one  to-day  !  I  am  very  hungry,  and  when  I  go  home 
I  shall  have  a  whipping,  said  Isabella. 

Emma  looked  steadily  at  Isabella  for  a  moment,  and  then 
averted  her  eyes  ;  she  was  not  used  to  such  thoughts  as  this 
scene  suggested. 

This  child  is  hungry,  I  know  she  is,  said  Emma. 

I  am  afraid  she  may  be,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 


260  DESPOTISM. 

Isabella,  where  have  I  seen  your  face  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps, 

I  do  not  know,  madam,  said  Isabella. 

I  am  distressed  when  I  look  on  the  face  of  that  child,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

Aunt  Phelps,  can  wc  get  that  child  into  the  ragged  school  ? 
asked  Emma. 

These  schools  were  rare  then,  but  now  fortunately  more 
numerous  ;  this  was  some  years  ago. 

With  whom  do  you  live  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

With  Mr.  Ward,  madam,  said  Isabella. 

Where  does  Mr.  Ward  live  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Number  five  hundred  and  ten  sixty-sixth  street,  near  the 
river,  madam,  said  Isabella. 

Can  you  read,  Isabella?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

No,  madam,  said  Isabella. 

Does  Mrs.  Ward  treat  you  kindly  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

She  whips  me  often,  said  Isabella. 

What  does  she  whip  you  for  ?  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

She  whips  me  when  I  do  not  carry  home  fifty  cents,  said 
Isabella. 

What  does  she  whip  you  with  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

With  a  stick,  said  Isabella. 

A  monster  !  Did  you  ever  go  to  school  a  single  day  ?  ask- 
ed Mrs.  Phelps. 

Never,  madam,  said  Isabella. 

Here  is  a  trifle  for  you,  to-morrow  we  will  call  on  Mrs. 
Ward ;  Emma,  we  will  start  early  in  the  morning,  said  Mrs. 
Phelps.  The  carriage  was  at  the  door  next  morning,  and 
Emma  was  waiting  for  her  aunt. 

Tom,  drive  us  to  number  five  hundred  and  ten  sixty-sixth 
street.  They  left  the  Fifth  Avenue.  Here  we  are  at  sixty- 
sixth  street,  but  where  is  Mrs.  Ward's  V  This  cannot  be  the 
place  I  It  is  a  pig-pen  !  Here  is  another ;  but  the  right  num- 
ber is  on  it,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 


DESPOTISM.  261 

Do  you  think  human  beings  live  in  such  a  place?  asked 
Emtna. 

This  is  the  phice,  I  think.  I  am  looking  for  Mrs.  Ward, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

That  is  my  name,  walk  in,  madam,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Do  you  sell  apples,  Mrs.  Ward  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps, 

Isabella  does  for  me,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Then  I  am  right.  Mrs.  Ward,  where  did  you  find  Isabella, 
asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

In  the  street,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

What  street  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

In  Greenwich  street,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Greenwich  street  ?  Tell  me  now,  exactly  !  I  am  certain 
that  I  have  seen  that  child  somewhere,  but  I  cannot  tell  where. 
She  is  certainly  beautiful ;  is  she  obedient  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

She  does  not  always  sell  her  day's  wc»rk,  and  then  I  have  to 
whip  her,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

What  do  you  whip  her  with  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

With  this  stick,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Merciful  heaven  !  Is  it  possible?  A  stick  of  that  size  and 
length  I  She  never  found  that  child  in  Greenwich  street,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps,  as  she  turned  to  Emma. 

Tell  me,  now,  Mrs.  Ward,  tell  me  exactly  where  are  her 
parents  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Dead,  madam,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

How  do  you  know  they  are  dead  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  was  told  so,  madam,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

You  were  told  so,  but  who  told  you  so?  You  hesitate, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mrs.  Jennings,  madam,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Why  did  you  take  Isabella  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

She  earns  me  nearly  one  dollar  every  week,  and  on  that  I 
live,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 


262  DESPOTISM. 

Will  you  allow  me  to  tako  Isabella,  if  I  will  send  her  to 
school  ?  asked  ^irs.  Phelps. 

No,  madam,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Why  not  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  cannot  spare  the  money,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Will  you  allow  me  to  take  her,  if  I  pay  you  the  money  that 
she  earns,  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Certainly,  madam,  said  i\Irs.  Ward. 

Mrs.  Ward,  your  tenement  looks  slightly  dilapidated  ;  may 
we  be  allowed  to  look  over  it  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Certainly  you  may,  it  will  not  require  long;  I  have  but  one 
floor,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Where  did  Isabella  sleep  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

In  this  room ;  look  in,  if  you  please ;  in  that  room  are  my 
pigs,  in  the  other  are  my  goats ;  you  see  they  all  sleep  on 
straw,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

You  are  below  the  street,  the  straw  is  wet. 

Is  this  possible  ?  Has  that  child  slept  in  this  place,  and  on 
the  same  straw  with  pigs  and  goats  ?  asked  Mrs  Phelps. 

She  made  no  complainr,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Mrs.  Ward,  are  there  other  places  like  yours  in  this  street  ? 
asked  Airs.  Phelps. 

The  street  is  full  of  them  ;  some  of  the  houses  are  better 
than  mine,  and  they  are  filled;  but  I  would  not  take  children 
from  the  street  for  such  purposes  as  these  women  do,  said 
Mrs.  Ward. 

Mrs.  Ward,  what  do  you  mean  by  that  remark  ?  Will  you 
speak  intelligibly,  and  without  reserve  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mrs.  Phelps,  I  know  more  of  such  houses  than  I  shall  tell 
you;  I  am  familiar  with  sujBfering.  I  have  lived  in  better 
places  than  this,  and  I  shall  not  tell  you  by  what  steps  I  have 
descended  to  this  hovel.  My  parents  were  wealthy,  and  my 
education  was  equal  to  any  received  by  ladies  of  the  highest 
class.     Disappointed  in  early  life,  I  left  a  happy  home,  and 


DESPOTISM.  263 

came,  a  wandering  vagrant  here ;  I  am  not  alone,  there  are 
others  as  wretched  as  I  am.  The  life  that  for  years  I  led, 
I  daily  hoped  would  be  my  last,  and  to  drown  the  rebukes  of 
conscience,  I  daily  sought  the  poisoned  cup;  and  now  I  only 
Vv\A\  that  I  could  die,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

You  have  told  me  nothing  of  the  houses  with  which  you  say 
your  street  is  tilled;  will  you  tell  me  what  you  mean  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mrs.  Phelps,  in  the  house  to  which  I  now  point  there 
are  ten  or  twenty  children,  from  the  age  of  twelve  to  fourteen, 
I  cannot  tell  you  more.  If  my  remarks  have  excited  your 
curiot-ity  you  can  call  at  the  house.  I  do  not  tell  you  that 
any  of  the  children  were  stolen,  but  you  will  find  among  them 
some  quite  as  handsome  as  Isabella,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Are  you  serious,  what  can  you  mean,  are  you  in  health, 
have  you  been  seriously  indisposed  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  have  had  nervous  turns,  and  at  such  times  I  do  suffer  all 
but  death,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Look  steadily  at  me.  You  were  handsome  once.  Mrs. 
Ward,  had  you  no  friends  to  whom  you  could  look  for  assist- 
ance, for  support,  aud  for  restoration  to  society  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Plielps. 

From  my  first  error,  no  friendly  door  was  ever  opened  to 
me,  no  friendly  hand  was  ever  extended  to  me ;  I  was  left  by 
my  relatives  to  descend  to  this  tiovel.  My  mother  died  broken 
hearted  !  My  father  lives,  but  his  stern  nature  triumphed 
over  a  true  parental  heart,  and  no  word  of  sympathy  ever 
came  from  him  to  me.  My  sister  lives  in  splendor,  but  of  all 
my  letters,  M'ritten  often  in  deep  penitence,  not  one  word  of 
pity  ever  came  to  soothe  this  stricken  heart.  You  will  excuse 
me,  but  these  floods  of  tears  should  have  washed  out  my 
deepest  sins.  But  now  I  wish  to  die!  I  cannot  end  my  own 
life ;  I  cannot  live  in  despair.  I  have  no  c-lothes,  I  have 
no  food,  my  self-respect  is  gone.     Oh,  do  not  look  at  me  I     I 


264  DESPOTISM. 

wish  this  day  would  be  my  last.  From  this  glass  I  daily  pour 
all  that  keeps  life  in  me.  My  nerves  are  destroyed,  and 
delirium  shakes  these  limbs.  In  the  still  hours  of  the  night, 
spectres  appear  and  drag  me  to  a  horrid  world.  Oh,  such 
sights  !  Beasts  without  heads  !  Human  heads  with  horns 
and  bodies  beastly  !  Serpents  of  all  colors,  the  frantic  fiends, 
dance  around  and  ever  flit  before  my  eyes.  Sleeping  or 
waking,  these  horrid  visions  are  pursuing  me.  Oh,  if  I  could 
but  die  and  end  my  sufferings  I  would  thank  my  God,  said 
Mrs.  Ward. 

Mrs.  Ward,  I  cannot  feel  indifferent  to  the  fate  of  such  a 
person  ;  tell  me  more  of  your  life.  To  what  circumstance  do 
you  attribute  your  ruin  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

The  first  error  of  my  life  was  committed  at  my  father's 
house,  and  it  was  an  act  of  indiscretion  to  which  the  usages  of 
fashionable  society  exposed  me.  I  cannot  expect  you  to  sym- 
pathize with  me,  but  your  kindness  has  drawn  from  me  the 
statements  that  I  have  never  made  to  any  other  person,  said 
Mrs.  Ward. 

Tell  me  all ;  I  will  do  you  no  harm,  I  may  yet  assist  to 
raise  a  crushed  heart,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

If  I  must  disclose  all,  I  will  tell  you  that  I  acquired  a  taste 
for  stimulants,  which,  by  frequent  indulgence,  became  a  pas- 
sion, to  which  all  my  errors  and  my  sufferings  are  to  be  attri- 
buted, said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Were  you  expelled  from  your  father's  house  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

I  was  ;  and  from  that  moment  I  sacrificed  a  life  that  should 
have  been  passed  amid  scenes  of  innocence  in  a  happy  home. 
Oh,  that  I  had  been  fo-«i,nven  !  I  would  have  devoted  a  life  to 
virtue,  and,  with  a  grateful  heart,  I  would  have  sought  for- 
giveness from  him  who  alone  can  give  peace  to  crushed  hearts, 
said  Mrs.  Ward. 

I  shall  visit  you  again,  and  send  Mr.  Pease  to  you ;  you 


DESPOTISM.  265 

shall  not  thus  suffer  in  want  and  horrid  degradation.  Now, 
tell  me  the  name  of  the  woman  who  keeps  the  house  nearly 
opposite,  in  which  you  say  are  20  children  ?  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Her  name  is  McFickle,  said  Mrs.  Ward. 

Is  Mrs  McFickle  a  Catholic  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

She  is,  and  attends  mass  every  day,  said  Mrs.  "Ward. 

Your  remarks  have  excited  a  strong  desire  to  know  more, 
and  I  shall  call  at  Mrs.  McFickle's.  Mrs.  Ward,*  here  is  your 
money.     Isabella,  you  are  now  my  child. 

Emma,  we  will  take  Isabella  to   the  school  in  which  Miss 

N ,    Mrs.  Van    Broone,   and    Mrs.  Vance    are   teachers. 

These  ladies,  following  the  dictates  of  a  warm  heart,  devote 
their  whole  time  and  their  money  to  the  relief  of  the  suffering 
classes.     With  them  charity  is  not  a  transient  impulse,  but  it 

is  the  purpose  of  an  active  and  devoted   life.     Mrs.  F is 

one  of  the  patrons  of  the  school;  and  is  constantly  aiding,  by 
her  presence  and  by  her  money,  this  valuable  institution.  If 
you  hear  of  a  family  that  is  in  sickness,  sorrow,  and  suffering, 
there  you  will  meet  her  coach,  loaded  with  the  luxuries  with 
which  her  house  is  crowded.  With  the  luxuries  that  sustain 
the  life  of  the  sufferer,  she  gives  the  advice  and  the  sympathy 
that  sustain  the  sinking  heart.  I  have  followed  her  through 
the  dark  streets  and  alleys,  to  the  cellars  and  attics  of  poverty, 
sickness  and  suffering.  I  have  heard  her  soothing  the  anguish 
of  the  broken-hearted,  and  dispelling  the  gloom  that  was  press- 
ing its  victim  to  the  earth.  I  have  seen  her  supporting,  with 
her  own  arm,  the  sinking  form  that  was  yielding  to  God  the 
spirit  that  had  animated  her  in  life.  If  I  were  speaking  of 
persons  who  had  finished  their  mission,  and  passed  the  bounda- 
ries of  this  w^orld  of  suffering,  I  would  not  stint  my  remarks. 
I  would  give  you  truths,  the  beauty  of  which  I  am  sure,  Em- 
ma, would  be  fixed  in  your  sensitive  heart.     If  there  is  a  per- 

*  Mrs.  Ward  ia  the  daughter  of  one  of  our  most  wealthy  apd  respectable  merchants 
well  known  in  our  highest  .aircles. 

12 


266  DESPOTISM. 

Fon  who  does  not  know  the  luxury  of  doing  good,  I  will  ask 
him  to  go  with  us.  They  yhall  ^ee  a  form  of  serene  loveli- 
ness, quietly  passing  from  house  to  house,  raising  like  the 
spirit  of  mercy,  forms  once  reared  aniid  scenes  of  splendor, 
now  crushed  with  poverty  and  disappointment,  and  expiring 
with  the  anguish  that  may  be  assuaged  by  sympathy,  but  can 
be  healed  by  no  medicine,  administered  by  mortal  or  by  angel. 
They  shall  see  the  last  moments  of  many  a  departing  spirit, 
almost  angelic  in  beauty,  now  turning  their  last  look  upon 
a  face,  that  in  such  a  place,  and  in  such  an  office,  shall  seem 
to  them  more  than  mortal !  Those  who  go  with  us  shall  not 
ask  for  what  wealth  was  given  us.  They  shall  not  ask  why 
the  female  breast  is  all  sympathy  and  love.  They  shall  not 
ask  why  the  Creator  intended  that  all  hearts  should  feel  for 
others'  woes,  but  they  shall  ask,  in  -deepest  mystery,  why  it  is 
that  man  shall  ever  seek  to  ruin  man,  and  to  spread  out,  like 
a  great  net,  the  influences  that  bring  sorrow,  suffering,  pover- 
ty, and  horrid  death  1  Those  who  will  go  with  us,  shall  admit 
that  there  are  scenes  of  life  of  which  they  knew  nothing,  and 
of  which  the  gay  and  thoughtless  world  know  nothing.  Tliey 
Bhall  admit  that  there  are  demands  upon  the  virtuous,  which, 
if  they  open  their  eyes  and  their  hearts,  they  cannot  evade. 
These  are  no  fancy  sketches,  they  are  true  pictures  of  daily 
life  of  one  individual  in  our  great  city.  This  is  an  age  of 
skepticism  and  of  doubt.  But  it  is  an  age  of  progress,  of  vir- 
tue, and  of  living  faith.  The  whole  world  love  to  look  on 
such  lives  ;  they  show  that  life  is  not  lost,  when  skepticism  is 
dispelled,  when  virtue  is  shown  to  be  a  living  principle,  and 
when  life  is  commenced  that  all  admit  should  continue,  and  we 
believe  will  cotitinue  to  live  through  all  time.  Emma,  at  your 
age,  all  things  seen  are  fixed  on  a  mind  impressible,  but  in- 
clined to  virtue,  as  the  perfumed  flower  is  inclined  to  the  sun, 
and  blooms  in  its  genial  warmth,  said  ^Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  do  love  Mrs.  F.,  but  there  are  not  many  such  ladies  in 


DESPOTISM.  267 

this  cruel,  wicked  city — are  there,  aunt  Phelps  ?  asked 
Eirima. 

There  are  hundreds  of  them,  now  devoting  their  whole 
time  to  the  relief  of  the  suffering  classes,  the  very  classes  made 
wretclied  by  our  unprincipled  judges,  lawyers,  jurors,  alder- 
men and  storekeepers,  said  Mrs.  Piielps. 

I  am  glad  I  do  not  live  in  this  wicked  city.  Aunt  Phelps, 
I  think  we  must  be  near  the  ragged  school,  said  Emma. 

Tom,  recollect  to  stop  at  the  ragged  school  in  Eleventh 
street,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Aunt  Phelps,  do  you  think  Isabella  was  stolen  from  her  pa- 
rents ?  asked  Emma. 

I  hope  not,  but  I  do  wish  I  knew  where  I  have  seen  her. 
She  never  was  the  child  of  a  poor  emigrant ;  that  form  and 
those  features  are  not  the  form  and  features  of  rugged,  labori- 
ous life ;  she  should  not  be  here,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Here  is  425,  said  Emma,  and   I  see  Miss  N at  the 

window.  Miss  N ,  we  have  found  a  child  whose  histo- 
ry for  the  present  is  involved  in  deep  mystery.  The  high 
character  of  your  school,  and  the  numerous  teachers,  has  in- 
duced me  to  ask  your  kind  care  of  Isabella  for  a  short  time. 
"We  know  that  she  will  here  receive  the  attention  that  her  des- 
titute condition  demands.  A  child  of  such  beauty  will,  we 
know,  excite  in  your  heart  a  deep  sympathy.  I  know  that 
there  is  some  strange,  some  unaccountable  history  connected 
with  her  life,  which  must  some  day  deeply  interest  us  all,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  will  take  care  of  this  child.  I  will  give  to  Isabella  the 
affectionate  care  which  so  much  beauty  and  intelligence  de- 
mand ;  I  cannot  feel  indifferent  to  her.  Leave  Isabella  to  my 
care,  and  you  shall  not  be  disappointed  in  your  highest  anti- 
cipations, said  Miss  N . 

Emma,  the  carriage  is  waiting,  and  we  must  now  return 
home,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 


268  DESPOTISM. 

Aunt  Phelps,  do  you  think  Isabella  will  be  treated  kindly 
at  the  ragged  school  ?  asked  Emma. 

I  know  she  will.  Miss  N is  one  of  my  most  es- 
teemed friends;  her  heart  is  all  sympathy.  I  know  that  Isa- 
bella will  be  treated,  with  the  utmost  kindness.      Miss  N 

is  a  lady  of  brilliant  intellect  and  a  warm  heart,  and  is  con- 
stantly employ  ed  in  works  of  benevolence.  Her  education 
has  been  the  care  of  parents,  whose  affections  were  centred 
on  a  daughter  of  surpassing  loveliness.  Their  wealth  is 
boundless ;  their  position  in  society  the  most  elevated  ;  and 
their  whole  attention  w^as  devoted  to  the  education  of  their 
children ;  nc-thing  was  omitted  in  storing  the  mind  of  their 
daughter  with  all  that  could  add  grace  and  dignity  to  a  supe- 
rior intellect.  No  ordinary  schools  or  professors  could  satisfy 
parents,  whose  education  enabled  them  to  estimate  the  qualifi- 
cations of  the  most  literary.     In  Europe,  Miss   N saw 

all  that  could  interest  the  most  careful  observer.  She  studied 
their  institutions,  and  she  gazed  with  delight  upon  the  works 
of  art ;  in  their  sublime  temples  she  kneeled,  and  offered  a  si- 
lent tribute  to  the  majesty  of  genius,  and  to  the  spirit  which 
hallows  their  consecrated  walls.  She  saw  with  no  ordinary 
interest  all  that  could  charm  the  taste,  enlarge  the  mind,  or 
improve  the  heart.  From  all  that  she  had  seen,  from  all  that 
she  had  read,  she  returned  the  most  accomplished,  the  most 
brilliant,  the  most  beloved,  of  our  most  elevated  circles.  If 
you  would  be  charmed  with  pictures,  and  with  descriptions  of 
foreign  travel,  as  rich  as  language  could  give,  she  could  recite 
them.  If  you  would  have  them  glowing  with  life,  with  truth, 
with  beauty,  such  as  no  others  could  give,  she  alone  could  re- 
cite them,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Aunt  Phelps,  do  you  think  mother  will  allow  me  to  take 
Isabella  to  New  Haven,  when  she  is  washed  and  dressed  ? 
asked  Emma. 

When  you  return  you  can  ask  her,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 


DESPOTISM.  2G9 

In  a  few  days  Mrs.  Phelps  and  Emma  called  again  at  the 
school.     Miss  N was  not  there, 

I  wish  to  see  Isabella,  said  Mrs.  Phelps.    She  was  called. 

Isabella,  come  to  me.  See  that  white  frock  and  clean 
face  !     Emma,  she  is  beautiful,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Come  here — I  must  kiss  you,  said  Emma. 

So  must  I,  said  Mrs.  Phelps.  • 

It  was  a  long  time  since  such  evidences  of  affection  were 
known  to  Isabella.     Miss  N now  came  into  the  school. 

Did  you  leave  any  thing  at  Mrs.  Ward's  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

I  did,  said  Emma. 

"What  did  you  leave,  Isabella  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  left  a  small  Bible,  and  on  the  first  leaf  was  written  "  Isa- 
bella Bright,  from  her  mother,"  said  Isabella. 

Indeed  !     This  is  something  new,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Miss  N ,  has  Isabella  been  a  good  child  ?  asked   Mrs. 

Phelps. 

No  child  could  have  behaved  better — we  are  getting  quite 
attached  to  her,  said  Miss  N . 

Miss  N ,  is  it  not  strange  that  this  child  has  kept  her 

Bible,  and  nothing  else  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

This  Bible  may  unf6ld  a  deep  mystery.  Isabella,  will  you 
go  with  one  of  the  larger  scholars  and  get  your  Bible  ?  ask- 
ed Miss  N . 

I  will,  madam,  said  Isabella. 

About  a  week  after,  Mrs.  Phelps  and  Emma  called  again 
at  the  school. 

Isabella,  are  you  well  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Very  well,  madam,  said  Isabella. 

Are  you  pleased  with   the  school,  and  with  Miss  N ? 

asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  am  treated  very  kindly,  said  Isabella. 

Mrs.  Phelps,  this  is  the  Bible.      In  the  first  leaf  you  see 


270  DESPOTISM. 

is  written  "  Isabella  Bright,  from  her  mother."  There  is 
something  about  this  child  which  interests  me  strangely.  I 
have  been  here  every  week  for  some  years,  but  I  have  never 
Been  a  child  that  excited  such  a  mysterious  interest  I  do  wish 
we  could  learn  something  of  her  history,  I  am  afraid  that  she 
vi'as  taken  from  some  family  around  us,  said  Miss  N . 

Emma,  we  must  keep  this  Bible — it  may  be  a  valuable  book 
at  some  future  time,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mrs.  Phelps  and  Emma  returned  home. 

Aunt  Phelps,  it  is  now  more  than  two  weeks  since  mother 
returned,  and  I  know  she  is  impatient  for  my  return.  You 
have  said  frequently  that  you  should  visit  New  Haven  when  I 
return — are  you  ready?  I  have  seen  Isabella  almost  every 
day,  and  I  love  her  more  and  more ;  I  do  hope  mother  will 
allow  me  to  take  her  home,  said  Emma. 

I  regret  to  say  that  I  cannot  visit  New  Haven  at  present — 
but  I  shall  soon  be  able  to  visit  you  all,  and  I  shall  depend  on 
another  visit  from  you,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Emma  returned  home. 

Oh  mother,  how  glad  I  am  to  see  you  !  ^lother !  what  a 
darling  child  aunt  Phelps  and  I  have  found,  said  Emma. 

Found  a  child  ! — are  you  crazy,  Emma  ?  "Where  did  you 
find  her  ?  asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

We  found  her  in  the  street,  and  she  is  now  in  the  ragged 
school,  under  the  charge  of  Miss  N ,  said  Emma. 

It  is  very  strange  that  a  girl  like  you  should  care  about  a 
little  child  in  the  street.  I  suppose  there  are  thousands  of 
them  stitrving  in  that  great  city ;  it  is  certainly  very  melan- 
choly. I  do  not  see.  how  their  rich  and  charitable  citizens 
can  sleep  with  such  scenes  of  suffering,  starvation  and  wretch- 
edness around  them  ;  it  would  render  me  miserable.  I  sup- 
pose that  the  humane  satisfy  their  consciences  by  asserting 
that  there  are  too  many  for  any  charity  to  relieve,  and  that 
they  must  die  !     Persons  of  sensibility  cannot  thus  quiet  the 


DESPOTISM.  271 

demands  that  Christianity  makes  on  its  votaries.  When  I  see 
your  aunt,  I  shall  learn  all  the  particulars  about  the  child  that 
you  seem  to  have  become  so  deeply  interested  in,  said  Mrs. 
Putnam. 

I  will  tell  you,  dear  mother,  I  want  Isabella  to  come  here 
and  be  my  sister ;  you  know  that  I  want  a  companion,  said 
Emma. 

Emma  like  other  girls  went  to  school.  Two  or  three  times 
every  year  she  visited  her  aunt  Phelps,  and  made  while  in  the 
city  almost  daily  calls  on  Isabella  at  the  school.  On  leaving 
home  to  make  one  of  these  visits  in  New  York,  she  said,  "Mo- 
ther, I  shall  bring  Isabella  home  with  me — may  I  ?" 

Her  mother  laughed  at  what  she  regarded  as  Emma's  non- 
sense. Emma  returned  from  New  York,  and  to  the  surprise 
of  all,  Isabella  was  with  her. 

Mother,  this  is  Isabella  Bright 

Mrs.  Putnam  looked  at  her  for  a  moment.  She  is  a  beau- 
tiful child !  Come  here,  Isabella,  I  must  kiss  you — you  are  a 
darling,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

IMother,  are  you  glad  that  I  have  brought  Isabella  ?  asked 
Emma. 

I  am,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Isabella  was  soon  placed  at  school,  and  every  day  develop- 
ed some  new  trait  of  loveliness,  and  all  were  delighted  with 
her.  Emma  and  Isab'ella  were  constantly  engaged  in  their 
studies,  and  their  progress  was  satisfactory.  They  were  both 
happy  in  the  society  of  each  other,  and  in  the  society  with 
which  they  were  in  constant  intercourse.  They  were  the 
elder  and  the  younger  sisters,  and  years  passed  in  unalloyed 
happiness.  In  all  the  visits,  in  all  the  country  rambles,  in  the 
merry  dance,  in  all  the  gay  scenes  of  joyous,  happy  life,  they 
were  ever  side  by  side,  and  no  petty  jealousies  ever  came  to 
mar  happiness  as  perfect  as  virtuous  life  bestows. 

Mother,  I  am  now  nearly  sixteen !      Do  you  not  think  that 


272  DESPOTISM. 

I  have  been  at  school  nearly  long  enough  ?  I  have  certainly 
studied  every  book  that  any  school  girl  has  studied,  said 
Emma. 

There  you  are  mistaken ;  you  have  yet  much  to  study,  and 
will  go  to  school  for  some  years  yet,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Dear  mother,  then  I  mean  to  go  to  school  in  New  York, 
said  Emma. 

I  think  you  will  not,  said  Mrs.  Putnam, 

I  will  leave  Isabella  with  you  if  I  go  to  New  York,  said 
Emma. 

You  have  made  short  visits  to  your  aunt  Phelps  for  years, 
and  you  are  getting  fond  of  city  life,  and  now  you  want  to 
spend  a  whole  season  in  New  York  ;  that  I  cannot  consent  to, 
said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Then  I  will  ask  James  Cope  to  come  here,  said  Emma. 

James  Cope  !     Who  is  James  Cope?  asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

He  visits  aunt  Phelps,  said  Emma. 

Two  or  three  years  hence  will  be  soon  enough  for  you  to 
think  of  seeing  James  Cope  or  any  other  young  man,  said 
Mrs.  Putnam. 

But  James  Cope  said  he  would  write  to  me,  and  I  know  he 
will,  said  Emma. 

Nonsense,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Dear  mother,  you  know  that  I  am  invited  to  make  aunt 
Phelps  a  visit,  you  know  that  I  admire  her,  you  know  that  she 
entertains  a  great  deal  of  company,  and  she  is  very  rich,  and 
uncle  Phelps  likes  visitors,  and  aunt  Phelps  entertains  her 
company  so  well,  her  manners  are  so  graceful,  and  have  so 
much  of  the  ease  and  grace  of  the  very  highest  circles,  she 
reads  books,  and  good  books,  and  she  visits  the  highest  classes. 
I  shall  have  such  a  delightful  time.  I  may  go,  may  I  not? 
I  know  you  will  let  me  go,  my  dear  mother ;  you  know  that 
T  have  studied  at  school,  and  my  teachers  say  that  I  have 
been  a  good  scholar,  and  I  am  now  a  great  girl,  said  Emma. 


DESPOTISM  273 

Emma,  suppose  you  should  allow  me  to  speak ;  you  talk 
faster  than  your  aunt  Phelps,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

Oh  yes,  mother,  dear  mother,  you  shall  speak,  but  I  shall  go 
to  New  York ;  I  shall  go  nest  week,  and  I  shall  see  James 
Cope,  said  Emma. 

Then  all  you  want  to  go  to  New  York  for  is  to  see  James 
Cope;  is  that  the  case  ?  asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

I  will  not  deny,  dear  mother,  that  I  do  want  to  see  James, 
but  I  want  to  see  aunt  Phelps.  She  says  she  likes  my  com- 
pany, and  expects  me  to  make  a  long  visit ;  her  House  is  very 
lively,  she  makes  all  her  friends  very  merry,  very  happy. 
They  dance,  they  sing,  and  they  converse  on  literary  subjects, 
they  go  to  church,  and  I  believe  they  sometimes  go  to  operas, 
and  possibly  to  plays.  But  I  am  sure  no  person  can  visit 
aunt  Phelps,  and  uncle  Phelps,  without  being  made  better, 
and  such  young  girls  as  I  am  will  learn  all  that  belongs  to 
refined  and  intellectual  intercourse ;  you  know  the  people  in 
the  Fifth  Avenue  are  a  little  above  some  streets,  in  the  refine- 
ment and  grace  of  the  most  elevated  circles.  The  atmosphere 
is  perfumed  with  good  influences,  and  we  feel  that  we  are  im- 
proved in  everything.  At  aunt  Phelps'  house  there  is  every- 
thing to  charm  the  mind  and  to  captivate  the  heart  of  such 
girls  as  I  am.  To  visit  in  such  a  place  is  delightful,  we  know 
that  we  are  above  influences  that  should  not  reach  us,  and 
guided  by  influences  that  elevate,  ennoble,  and  give  dignity  to 
polished  life — such  life  as  I  know  you  wish  me  to  live.  If  you 
will  allow  me  to  visit  aunt  Phelps,  I  know  you  will  be  satis- 
fied that  you  have  not  done  wrong.  I  will  write  you  often, 
and  I  will  try  to  write  letters  that  you  will  not  be  a^<hamed  to 
show  to  our  friends.  I  shall  not  be  engaged  in  frivolous 
amusements,  because  aunt  Phelps  does  not  permit  them — all 
of  hers  are  in  some  respect  intellectual ;  may  I  go,  dear  mo- 
ther ?  asked  Emma. 


274  DESPOTISM. 

Emma,  you  are  very  young  ;  you  need  to  study;  you  have 
yet  much  to  learn  ;  I  fear  you  will  never  submit  to  the  daily 
study  of  a  school-girl,  if  once  you  embark  in  fashionable  life. 
You  are  too  young  to  think  of  receiving  the  attentions  of 
James  Cope  or  any  other  young  man,  and  your  aunt  makes  a 
lady  of  you  before  your  time.  You  have  argued  your  case 
with  more  ingenuity  than  I  thought  you  to  possess,  but  I  am 
not  satisfied  that  it  is  right;  I  shall  however  assume  the  res- 
ponsibility, and  allow  you  to  visit  your  aunt.  I  shall  have 
letters  from  sister  as  well  as  from  you,  and  if  I  am  not  satisfied 
that  you  are  making  a  good  use  of  your  privileges,  I  shall 
direct  you  to  return,  said  Mrs.  Putnam. 

I  shall  go  on  Monday  with  father,  who  is  to  attend  the 
meeting  of  the  historical  society.  They  left  for  New  York. 
They  arrived  at  Mrs.  Phelps'  mansion.  Mrs.  Phelps  was  at 
the  door  to  receive  them.  Aunt  Phelps,  you  see  that  I  have 
come,  but  I  did  have  hard  work  to  get  here.  Mother  at  one 
time  seemed  determined  not  to  give  her  consent,  but  I  did 
talk  my  best,  and  here  I  am.  When  you  write  mother,  you 
must  tell  her  that  I  am  a  little  angel — a  fallen  one  I  fear  you 
will  say,  said  Emma. 

Emma,  I  am  pleased  tj  see  you.  I  am  glad  you  have  come. 
I  should  have  been  offended  with  your  mother  if  she  had  re- 
fused us  the  pleasure  of  this  visit.  You  are  indeed  a  lady — 
how  much  you  have  grown  !  You  do  resemble  your  mother; 
your  form  is  not  so  fragile  as  when  last  I  saw  you.  I  will  not 
tell  you  whether  you  have  improved  or  not — I  only  wish  you 
were  my  daughter,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mr.  Phelps  returned  to  his  house  in  the  afternoon  ;  he  gazed 
a  moment  at  his  niece,  he  ki.ssed  her. 

Emma  left  the  parlur  for  the  library. 

Wife,  Emma  has  grown  astonishingly;  she  was  always 
handsome,  but  such  a  mature  form  and  perfect  features  I  ne- 


DESPOTISM.  275 

ver  saw ;  she  is  not  yet  sixteen.  For  what  are  such  lovely 
children  given  us  here  on  earth?  asked  Mr.  Phelps. 

They  reveal  the  power  and  love  of  a  good  Creator,  who 
ever  smiles  on  innocence  and  virtue ;  they  are  sent  on  earth 
to  form  the  lives,  and  to  improve  the  hearts  of  parents,  and  to 
lead  us  upward;  they  show  a  spark  etherial,  a  power  above 
annihilation,  a  golden  chain  suspended  from  above,  to  draw 
us  upward  from  meaner  cares,  to  him  from  whom  all  happy 
life  must  ever  flow.  You  cannot  look  on  her  as  you  look  on 
other  forms  of  life ;  you  know  that  a  spirit,  an  intellect,  lives, 
that,  sustained  by  a  mysterious  power,  will  ever  live.  Whence 
came  the  first  etherial  spark  that  animated  the  first  female 
form  ?  Whence  came  the  beauty  of  the  first  face  of  female 
loveliness  ?  There  is  but  one  answer  ;  it  came  from  our  Cre- 
ator, said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Emma  returned  from  the  library. 

Emma,  we  have  had  frequent  calls  from  certain  young  men, 
do  you  know  who  they  are  ?  They  have  all  asked  when  you 
were  to  visit  us  again,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  am  sure  I  do  not.  I  hope  you  do  not  think  they  came  to 
ask  for  me,  said  Emma. 

You  will  see  for  what  they  came,  they  will  be  here  to-mor- 
row, said  Mr.  Phelps. 

For  two  or  three  days  calls  were  frequent.  Emma  and 
Mrs,  Phelps,  in  the  afternoon,  were  seated  near  the  window 
of  their  splendid  parlor. 

Emma,  James  Cope  comes  here,  and  he  never  comes  with- 
out making  many  inquiries  about  you  ;  he  writes  to  you,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

How  do  you  know  he  does  ?  asked  Emma. 

I  know  he  does,  I  know  it  now  by  your  looks;  you  need  not 
say  he  does  not,  for  I  know  he  does.  You  do  not  Uke  him, 
do  you  ?     He  says  he  will  find  out,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Do  you  like  James  Cope  ?    Tell  me  all  about  him ;  has  ha 


276  DESPOTISM. 

the  elements  of  a  gentleman,  has  he  genius,  taste,  and  virtue  ? 
Is  he  temperate  in  all  things,  and  does  he  respect  religion  ? 
asked  Emma. 

You  know  that  I  like  him,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Then  I  do  like  him  too ;  what  makes  you  think  he  cares  for 
nie,  did  he  ever  say  so  ?  asked  Emma. 

I  know  all  about  it ;  he  could  not  keep  it  to  himself,  and  I 
know  all  that  he  does.  James  comes  here  ;  many  young  men 
come  ;  some  are  very  sensible,  and  some  are  very  gay  and 
dressy.  Some  have  no  hearts,  some  have  no  beards,  and  some 
have  as  much  as  Shakspeare.  James  has  none,  I  like  him  f 
when  he  is  here  you  are  very  gay.  I  know  you  like  him ;  you 
need  not  say  you  do  not,  fur  I  know  you  do.  There  is  Tom 
Prime,  but  he  talks  too  much.  You  cannot  like  him,  he  tells 
you  all  he  knows,  and  then  he  can  please  no  longer.  There 
is  Dr.  Gray  ;  he  knows  too  much,  he  will  bury  you  in  science, 
and  you  will  sprout  and  bear  a  crop  of  telescopes.  Dr.  Ives 
sings  psalm-tunes  ;  he  is  too  good,  he  will  make  a  good  Catho- 
lic priest ;  he  knows  quite  enough,  but  he  does  not  know  much. 
There  is  Bill  Lenox,  he  is  very  rich,  but  he  has  no  principles  ; 
he  goes  to  clubs,  and  plays  cards,  and  wears  as  much  hair  as 
any  goat,  and  drinks  a  little.  They  are  all  sighing  with  bro- 
ken hearts,  and  filling  my  ears  with  their  love  stories.  Let 
me  have  my  way,  and  I  will  send  them  all  to  Joppa.  You 
are  very  young,  but  if  your  heart  is  gone,  take  James  Cope, 
he  is  wealthy,  sensible,  and  very  modest;  his  family  in  Phila- 
delphia are  among  their  most  resp  ected  citizens.  He  will  be 
a  live  oak,  and  you  will  be  a  grape  vine  ;  you  may  bear  grapes, 
Fweet  grapes,  but  live  oaks  I  am  sure  you  will  have  none,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

Aunt  Phelps,  what  do  you  mean?  You  are  a  walking 
enigma.  I  cannot  find  you  out,  3'ou  are  so  witty.  James  said 
he  should  ask  me  to  walk  with  him  one  of  these  lovely  moon- 
light eveninos.     I  will  walk  out  v,ith  James,  and  see  how  I 


DESPOTISM.  277 

do  like  him  in  evening  walks  ;  I  will  see  if  he  can  talk  senti- 
ment, and  trifle  with  a  grace.  I  like  young  men  with  playful 
wit,  who  enliven  conversation  ;  such  men  stay  at  home,  and 
are  never  dry,  they  all  drink  Croton  water.  Suppose  I  should 
walk  out  on  a  moonlight  night  with  James  in  the  Fifth  Ave- 
nue, M'ill  there  be  any  danger?  asked  Emma. 

Danger  of  what?  He  is  not  a  giant,  he  cannot  eat  you, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps, 

Suppose  he  should  say  that  he  loved  me,  what  should  I  do  ? 
I  should  faint  right  away,  said  Emma, 

He  will  throw  some  Croton  in  your  face,  and  you  will  say, 
just  repeat  that  remark  once  more,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

James  has  asked  me  to  walk  this  evening,  and  I  shall  go, 
the  moon  will  shine,  you  know,  so  lovely.  There  he  comes 
now  !  I  must  meet  him,  but  I  do  feel  so  frightened,  said 
Emma. 

Shall  we  walk  to  the  garden  ?  Where  are  the  white  roses  ? 
asked  James. 

Here  is  every  flower  that  talks  love's  language  ;  here  is 
beauty,  innocence,  constancy,  love,  hope,  assent,  dissent,  joy, 
sorrow  ;  I  will  teach  them  all  to  you,  said  Emma. 

I  want  one  flower  more  sweet  than  all  of  these;  I  want  a 
flower  that  charms  all  who  gaze,  and  all  who  hear ;  I  never 
heard  these  flowers  talk,  said  James. 

I  cannot  tell  what  you  mean.  There,  now,  take  these  flow- 
ers ;  what  would  you  say  ?  asked  Emma, 

I  have  this  white  rose,  will  you  walk  in  the  Eifth  Avenue  ? 
I  will  tell  you  what  here  I  would  not  say,  said  James. 

I  do  like  this  splendid  avenue  by  moonlight !  Wealth,  ta- 
lent, beauty,  all  that  can  make  life  perfect  is  now  before  us  ; 
I  could  wish  to  ever  live  a  life  like  these  happy,  happy  persons, 
said  Emma. 

It  is  a  glorious  avenue ;  I  do  envy  these  men,  who  live  with 


278  DESPOTISM. 

their  happy  families.     I  do  wish  I  had  a  house,  right  on  this 
spot,  and  somebody  to  live  with,  said  James. 

You  can  get  a  house,  and  you  can  get  a  cat,  but  you  can- 
not get  a  lady  to  live  with  you,  said  Emma. 

It  is  sweet  converse  that  I  want — I  want  soul  and  body, 
said  James. 

What  would  you  say  to  any  lady,  if  you  could  get  one  ? 
asked  Emma. 

I  would  talk  of  books,  of  genius,  of  highest  aims,  of  pure 
lives,  of  the  great  Author  of  all  things  !  I  would  read  in  ec- 
stasy the  beautiful  thoughts  of  the  poets.  I  would  contem- 
plate the  virtues  and  the  sacrifices  of  real  and  imaginary  life. 
I  would  adore  all  that  is  virtuous  and  good ;  I  would  worship 
the  Creator  of  all  great  things,  and  love  the  Creator  of  little 
things,  as  I  looked  at  you,  said  James. 

Well,  go  on,  said  Emma. 

Emma,  I  do  love  you,  said  James. 

I  suppose  you  do,  said  Emma. 

I  see  in  the  distance  Madison  Square.  How  gloriously  the 
moon  shines !  Here  is  a  club  house.  I  consider  all  such 
houses  injurious  to  morals  and  to  domestic  enjoyment,  and 
every  virtuous  man,  and  every  lady  in  the  city  should  never 
cease  to  denounce  them.  They  have  ruined  the  peace  of  many 
families,  and  have  sent  wives  and  husbands  to  premature 
graves.  Schuyler  laid  the  foundation  for  his  ruin  here,  and 
borrowed  the  funds  not  yet  paid.  This  is  Mr.  Stewart's 
house — it  should  be  called  a  palace.  Money  made  by  sugar 
will  do  the  city  more  good  than  money  made  by  brandy.  This 
is  Mr.  Roberts'  house.  His  picture  gallery  is  an  evidence 
that  Mr.  Roberts  has  taste  as  well  as  immense  wealth.  Mr. 
Hyatt  is  conversing  in  front  of  his  own  house  with  his  partner, 
Mr.  Howes.  They  have  acquired  fortunes  by  their  genius, 
and  occupy  the  highest  places  in  the  social  circle.  The  Park 
Bank,  of  which  Mr.  Howes  is  President,  is  one  of  the  first  in 


DESPOTISM.  279 

the  city.     This  is  the  house  of  Mr,  Putnam,  a  near  relative  of 
yours,  and  a  merchant  of  great  wealth.     Dr.  Cheeseman,  one 
of  our  eminent  physicians,  lives  in  this  house.     Here  is  the  re- 
sidence of  Live  Oak.     He  is  one  of  the  greatest  men  who  has 
adorned  our  city  and  our  country  ;  in  many  traits  of  character 
he  stands  alone.     He  will  be  the  President  of  this  country  in 
some  future  contest.     Por  sound  sense,  great  reasoning  pow. 
ers,  superior  knowledge  of  men,  surpassing  energy,  rigid  in- 
tegrity, and  great  enterprise — those  very  qualities  most  neces- 
sary in  men  in  high  stations — he  stands  before  the  country  as 
one  of  our  most  prominent  men  :  and  had  he  received  the  nomi- 
nation, he  would  have  been  elevated  to  the  White  House.    He  is 
strictly  union  and  conservative  in  his  views,  and  will  command 
the  confidence  of  every  party  and  every  section  of  this  great 
country,  and  every  individual  who  claims  American  sentiments 
or  American  honesty.    If  the  country  cannot  unite  on  a  man  of 
his  pre-eminent  claims,  a  sectional  man  must   be  elected,  and 
secession  of  North  and  South  must  follow.     Mr.  Banks  is  the 
first  Speaker  of  the  House  ever  elected  on  a  sectional  issue — 
and  if  a  President  must  be  elected  on  the  same  issue,  he  will 
be  the  last  elected  by  thirty  one  United  Slates.     Tiiis   is  Mr. 
Townsend's  house,  and  is  undoubtedly  the  most  perfect  speci- 
men of  architectural  display  in  the  United  States      The  hall, 
with  its  four  tiers  of  columns,  resembles  a  small  theatre  ;   and 
the  whole  house  is  elegant  beyond  the  conception  of  most  per- 
sons.    Every  person  of  taste  should  ask  the  courteous  owner 
for  a  ticket  of  admission,  or  Mr.  Tovvnsend  should,  once  a 
month,  open  his  house  to  the  public.    This  is  the  house  of  Mr. 
C.  Waddell.     The  situation  of  this  house,  on  a  summit,  the 
grounds  around  it,  the  vines  which  cover  the  house,  the  gar- 
den, the  flowers,  the  trees,  the  summer-house,   all  taken  toge- 
ther, are  not  equaled  in  this  country,  and  cannot  be  surpassed 
in  any  country.    The  hand  of  fiemale  taste  is  seen  in  the  beauty 
of  the  whole.     Mr.  McElrath  is  said  to  be  the  purchaser  of 


280  DESPOTISM. 

this  palace,  and  if  he  will  occupy  the  house,  and  refuse  to  sell 
the  ground  around  it,  he  will  be  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  the 
whole  city.  This  is  Mr.  Cox's  church.  From  this  spot  you 
can  see,  at  the  same  moment,  both  the  North  and  East  rivers, 
and  there  is  only  one  other  spot  where  both  can  be  seen.  This 
spot  is  one  of  the  most  elevated,  and  the  surrounding  land- 
scape is  not  surpassed  in  any  city.  Look  for  a  moment  on 
the  beauty  that  surrounds  us.  There  is  but  one  great  free 
country  in  the  whole  world.  All  know  it  to  be  the  United 
States.  New  York  is  the  great  leading  State  of  them  all ; 
and  this  is  the  leading  city  of  all  the  States.  This  city  has 
but  one  spot  of  great  elevation  and  surpassing  beauty,  and 
this  is  it — it  is  Murray  Hill.  You  have  seen  it  often.  Tiiis 
very  spot  is  the  apex  of  our  country's  glory.  AYho  would  not 
wish  to  come  here,  and  gaze  upon  a  scene  of  surpassing  beauty, 
if  his  heart  has  any  sensibility  ?  I  see  a  landscape  not  sur- 
passed in  the  world.  There  are,  within  two  or  three  squares, 
six  houses  of  more  taste  and  more  beauty  than  can  be  found 
any  where  in  the  same  space.  Larger  piles  of  brick  or  stone, 
in  Europe  may  have  cost  more  :  but  as  private  dwellings,  the 
abodes  of  the  virtuous  and  happy,  they  are  not  surpassed  in 
Europe  or  America.*  This  is  the  Croton  Keservoir.  From 
this  spot  shall  flow,  for  all  time,  a  stream  of  health,  to  bless 
this  pure  and  happy  city.  From  this  fountain  all  may  drink 
deep.  It  will  not  pain  the  head,  or  wound  the  heart.  Drink 
deep,  drink  often — they  shall  be  refreshed — they  will  sleep 
sweetly,  and  no  dreams  of  burning  fever  will  disturb  their  rest. 
Urink  deep — they  shall  not  reel  from  this  temple  to  the  haunts 
of  infamy,  where  foul  smoke  and  horrid  forms  offend  the  pure. 
Drink  deep,  and  no  sorrows,  no  compunctious  heart-aches 
shall  invade  their  pillow.     Drink  deep,  and  they  shall  go  forth 


*  They  are  owned  by  Mr.  .1.  J.  Phelps,  Isaac  N.   Phelps,  G.  D.  Phelps,  W.  E.  Dodge, 
S.  P.  Townsend,  and  C  Wadd  U  or  Mr.  McElrath. 


DESPOTIBM.  28! 

with  the  lark  to  meet  the  morn,  and  breathe  sweet  incense  in 
this  lovely  avenue.  Perfume  shall  exhale  from  these  beautiful 
gardens,  the  evidences  of  purity  without,  and  the  emblems  of 
moral  purity  within. 

Here  is  a  house  that  cost  one  hundred  thousand  dollars, 
and  was  paid  for  with  brandy.  Now  we  are  in  front  of  the 
Reservoir  again.  Look,  Emma,  on  this  scene  of  quiet  beauty ; 
can  you  look  unmoved  on  a  scene  that  nature  and  art  have 
each  claimed  as  its  own  most  successful  effort?  I  know  you 
cannot,  for  I  know  your  heart.  The  world  of  wealth,  and 
taste,  and  talent,  lie  tranquilly  before  us,  and  sweet  sleep  will 
soon  lock  beauty,  innocence,  purity,  and  love  in  its  embrace. 
Here  alone,  we  can  talk  of  love.  In  this  avenue  are  pure  life's 
best  emblems.  Life  here  is  above  nearly  all  the  world,  and  it 
is  perfumed  with  life's  most  cherished  influences.  In  these 
palaces  pain  should  never  come.  On  faces  turned  to  heaven 
in  gorgeous  chambers,  with  roses  on  the  brow  of  beauty,  all 
perfumed  with  happiness,  none  but  sylphs  can  look.  These 
forms  of  beauty  soon  will  meditate  or  sleep,  and  the  moon  will 
watch  over  them.  On  beds  of  flowers,  arrayed  in  beauty's 
robes  of  spotless  white,  are  forms  too  pure  for  classic  taste  to 
look  upon.  The  chaste  moon  may  look.  Diana  is  chaste,  and 
so  are  you.  On  flowery  beds  in  gardens  of  our  love,  shall 
cherub  faces  smile  in  innocence,  and  they  shall  be  trained  for 
happiness  and  heaven.  We  will  be  as  innocent  and  pure  as 
flowers  are  pure.  This  white  rose  I  give  to  you.  Place  it 
near  your  heart ;  it  comes  from  a  benignant  power,  and  is  wit- 
ness of  our  love.  It  is  the  emblem  of  purity,  and  while  our 
lives  are  innocent,  they  will  ever  come  to  greet  us  here.  We 
will  read  these  names  carved  deep  in  stone  on  this  reservoir. 
S.  Stevens,  Z.  Ring,  J.  D.  Ward,  B.  Birdsell,  S,  R.  Richards. 
Jervis,  engineer  ;  assistants,  Allen,  Childs,  Hastie.  Builders, 
Price  &  Son.  Commenced  1835,  finished  1842.  I  wish  I 
could  inscribe  my  name  on  this  temple  of  cold  water ;  it  should 


282  DESPOTISM. 

be  in  characters  of  living  light.  There  are  vices  and  suffer- 
ings and  degradation  in  this  great  city,  that  by  this  fountain 
could  be  washed  away.  If  I  could  claim  from  Heaven's  high 
altar  one  cele.-tial  spark,  a  Promethean  spark  of  genius,  power, 
and  inspiration,  then  on  this  spot  I  would  dip  my  pen  in  sun- 
beams, and  inscribe  my  name  on  this  ever-living  temple.  I 
would  spread  out  a  great  book  in  this  cold  water  temple,  and 
when  all  good  men,  great  men,  and  pure  men  come  to  visit  us 
from  foreign  nations,  they  would  write  their  names,  and  help 
us  to  make  the  country  glorious.  Youth  and  beauty,  grace 
and  loveliness,  shall  often  linger  here.  Lovers  shall  come,  and 
walk,  and  ride,  and  stop  and  gaze  upon  this  temple.  I  would 
do  more.  I  would  from  nature's  pure  white  marble  strikeout 
a  female  form — it  should  be  innocence,  love,  or  beauty.  In 
her  right  hand  should  be  a  cup,  a  pure  white  cup,  from  Hud- 
son's purest  marble.  It  should  be  filled  with  pure  cold  water. 
Come  to  this  fountain,  all  you  that  worship  virtue — your  namo 
is  legion.  But  few  who  once  taste  will  object  to  Croton  water. 
There  is  a  tyrant  that  we  must  fight,  and  we  can  do  it,  if  you 
will  only  taste  this  cool  refreshing  water.  Emma,  look  again. 
Do  you  see  the  Hudson,  as  it  sleeps  in  its  quiet  bed  ?  Look 
east.  Do  you  see  the  beautiful  East  river  ?  "Walk  near  to 
the  church.  Now  you  can  see  both  !  You  see  they  are  both 
robed  in  silent  beauty.  If  you  have  a  heart,  and  you  had  one 
once,  it  will  leap  in  joy.  These  rivers  are  flowing  on,  never 
to  cease,  like  our  Creator's  goodness,  said  James. 

I  do  approve  your  taste.  This  moonlight  scene  on  no  spot 
of  earth  can  be  surpassed.  If  my  heart  is  gone,  sensibility 
holds  its  place,  and  reigns  and  revels  here.  Lovers  should 
come,  the  temperate  should  come,  the  virtuous  should  come, 
and  renew  their  vows,  and  drink  pure  cold  water,  said  Emma. 

Emma,  here  I  pledge  myself  to  you  !  "While  those  rivers 
mingle  our  souls  are  joined  !  May  our  lives  ever  flow  on  as 
tranquilly  as  those  lovely  rivers,  said  James. 


DESPOTISM.  283 

On  this  spot,  beneath  this  glorious  orb,  all  may  kneel,  but 
none  will  kneel  more  willingly  than  I  do.  Here  to  thee,  and 
to  Heaven  I  bow,  and  am  forever  thine  !  I  know  we  shall  be 
happy.  James,  do  you  think  the  Fifth  Avenue  surpasses  the 
best  streets  in  New  Haven  1  asked  Emma. 

I  am  not  prepared  to  answer  that  question,  said  James. 

Here  is  aunt  Phelps's  house  !  How  very  short  our  walk 
has  been  !  said  Emma. 


284  DESPOTISM, 


CHAPTER    IX. 


INTEMPERANCE. 

I'd  rather  be  the  wretch  that  scrawls 

His  idiot  nonsense  on  the  walls  ; 

Not  quite  a  man,  not  quite  a  brute, 

Than  I  would  vainly  prostitute 

My  powers  to  serve  the  cause  of  vice, 

To  build  some  jeweled  edifice 

So  fair,  so  foul — framed  with  such  art 

To  please  the  eye  and  soil  the  heart, 

That  he  who  has  not  power  to  shun, 

Comes,  looks,  and  feels  himself  undone. 

The  next  evening  James  left  Mr.  Phelps's  house  at  the 
usual  hour  with  Mr.  E.,  and  they  walked  slowly  toward  the 
Croton  Peservoir.  The  laws  for  the  improvement  of  the  mor- 
als of  this  great  city,  were  the  topics  of  their  conversation. — 
Mr.  E.  was  evidently  suffering  under  great  depression. 

Vice  is  destined  to  crush  out  virtue,  and  of  what  use  is  it 
for  one  class  of  men  to  spend  their  money  and  their  time  to 
reform  the  morals  of  this  polluted  city,  while  another  class  are 
making  fortunes  by  the  very  vices  which  we  are  trying  to  ex- 
pel ?  Catholics  learned  these  vices  in  Europe,  and  are  rapidly 
transplanting  and  fixing  them  here,  and  who  can  help  it  ? — 
We  shall  soon  have  a  perfect  Sodom,  and  life  will  not  be  safe 


DESPOTISM.  285 

in  any  part  of  the  city.  In  Catholic  Europe,  and  in  New  Or- 
leans, the  places  of  amusement  and  of  dissipation  are  all  open 
on  Sundays,  and  it  is  the  day  of  all  others  that  most  debases 
the  lower  classes.  Napoleon's  reception  of  his  Old  Guard 
from  the  Crimea,  the  greatest  gala  day  ever  known  in  France, 
was  on  Sunday;  and  we  shall  soon  use  our  Sabbaths  for  no 
better  purposes.  From  each  open  portal  to  the  shrine  of  sin 
and  sensuality,  emerge  fifty  loathsome,  creeping,  staggering, 
debased  creatures.  From  six  thousand  darkened  doors,  steal 
to  wife  and  children,  or  to  infamy,  thousands  of  victims, — and 
this  on  the  Sabbath  !  These  men,  frantic  with  passion,  offend 
the  eye  and  wound  the  heart  of  every  virtuous  being.  Can 
the  institutions  of  Christianity,  on  which  we  rely  for  all  our 
cont^ervative  influences,  be  supported  under  such  demoraliza- 
tion ?  Our  streets  day  and  night  are  filled  with  creatures 
more  pestilential  than  the  plague  of  Egypt.  Human  skeletons 
stalking  through  our  most  frequented  promenades,  would  not 
so  much  oflfend  the  eye  of  female  purity ;  they  must  be  ex- 
pelled with  the  Catholics  and  their  vices.  One  third  of  the 
females  of  Paris  are  not  virtuous,  and  all  Catholic  countries 
are  as  demoralized.  For  every  person  who  is  now  relieved  by 
charity,  there  are  ten  made  wretched  by  intemperance  and  its 
vices,  said  Mr.  E. 

I  am  sorry  to  see  you  so  much  depressed,  you  should  call 
your  philosophy  to  your  aid.  You  know  that  virtue  is  a 
struggle  with  bad  influences,  and  would  have  no  existence  if 
vice  did  not  exist ;  we  shall  now  soon  see  who  the  votaries  of 
virtue  are.  If  all  men  will  take  sides,  we  are  safe — for  the 
virtuous  vastly  outnumber  the  vicious,  and  the  only  difficulty 
is  to  arouse  them  to  action.  You  must  not  expect  that  you 
alone  can  make  the  world  virtuous ;  it  will  require  thousands 
as  enthusiastic  as  you  are,  and  it  will  require  a  long  time  to 
accomplish  it.  The  victims  of  the  strongest  passions  must 
die,  and  a  more  virtuous  class,  reared    under   better   institu- 


286  DESPOTISM. 

tions,  and  where  there  are  no  Catholics,  must  succeed  them, 
before  any  reformation  will  be  accomplished.  Do  you  sup- 
pose that  if  every  store  could  be  closed  to-morrow,  all  the 
city  would  be  temperate  ?  Would  not  the  same  passion  for 
stimulants,  acquired  by  living  among  contagious  influences 
and  debasing  habits,  still  exist  ?  The  reformation  must  begin 
by  elevating  the  tastes,  the  habits,  and  the  lives  of  individu- 
als. Virtuous  laws  cannot  be  sustained  by  vicious,  imported, 
and  degraded  masses — we  must  first  expel  the  degraded,  or 
deprive  them  of  their  ruinous  political  influence.* 

If  two-thirds  or  three-fourths  of  the  stores  can  be  closed, 
and  those  of  the  lowest  class,  much  will  be  gained,  and  the 
area  of  virtue  may  in  time  be  extended — but  vice  will  always 
exist,  and  you  must  not  expect  that  you  can  turn  earth  into 
heaven,  said  James. 

I  do  not  expect  impossibilities,  and  I  know  what  human  na- 
ture is;  but  are  not  all  the  world  creatures  of  education  and 
early  habits?  Why  is  this  country  unlike  degraded  Catholic 
Europe  ?  Have  not  the  early  virtues,  wise  laws,  pure  exam- 
ples, schools,  colleges,  churches,  and  virtuous  females,  and  the 
cherished  institutions  of  our  free  country,  made  us  what  we 
are  ?  Shall  all  of  these  be  undermined  by  degrees,  till  we 
have  no  more  virtue,  and  no  more  liberty,  than  the  abused 
tools  of  demagogues  and  priests  in  Europe  ?  All  I  expect 
and  all  I  ask  of  virtuous  men,  is  that  they  will  have  honesty 
enough  to  sustain  and  obey  the  laws  till  they  can  be  changed, 
if  they  require  changing.  If  the  minority  in  this  emergency, 
and  in  all  coming  conflicts,  is  to  govern,  freedom  is  a  name 
only.  If  men  without  principles  are  to  govern  the  city  by  the 
nullification  of  laws  made  by  a  sovereign  State,  then  sover- 
eignty is  a  name  only,  and  has  no  power  to  protect  the  people 


*  On  the  14th  of  February,  1856,  Dr.  Brownson,  a  Catholic  advocate  of  the  views  of  his 
class,  delivered  a  lecture  in  this  city,  in  wliicli  he  said  "we  have  no  right  to  accomplish 
moral  ends  by  the  lenislature,  or  to  pass  temperance  laws." 


DESPOTISM.  287 

or  its  best  institutions.  The  power  that  comes  from  money, 
svvaved  by  ignorance  and  ambition,  is  the  power  of  a  dema- 
gogue,  whether  used  by  Napoleon  or  by  the  lowest  leaders  of 
the  lowest  factions,  marslialled  under  Walsh,  Kynders,  Baker, 
Sickles,  Seymour,  or  Van  Buren.  If  the  State  cannot  make 
laws  upon  which  the  very  existence  of  our  free  institutions  de- 
pends, then  let  decent  men  retire  to  Eome — where  they  have 
three  hundred  and  seventy-five  churches,  and  where  they  have 
assassinated  one  hunrlred  and  twenty  persons  in  one  night  ! — 
One  tyrant  is  better  than  all  the  tyrants  led  by  a  few  vile  de- 
magogues. The  immense  sums  raised  by  these  men  for  brib- 
ing lawyers,  jurors,  judges,  and  city  officers,  should  rouse  to 
immediate  action  all  who  value  free  institutions.  Every  alder- 
man who  for  years  granted  licenses  to  six  thousand  Irishmen, 
to  debase  their  own  countrymen  and  to  destroy  their  lives,  did 
it  in  violation  of  his  oath,  and  he  knew  it.  Our  laws,  pro- 
perly administered  by  honest  men,  would  have  protected  the 
city  for  the  last  ten  years,  and  would  have  rendered  unneces- 
sary the  laws  recently  passed,  and  now  trodden  under  foot 
mid  the  jeers  of  Seymour  and  his  demagogues,  who  vetoed, 
and  then  destroyed  the  best  law  that  humanity  ever  enacted. 
Seymour  and  Van  Buren  and  their  class  did  not  so  much  op- 
pose the  temperance  law  because  it  restricted  their  confirmed 
habits,  as  they  did  because  they  could  make  political  capital 
in  pampering  debased  men,  and  pandering  their  worst  passions. 
New  parties  and  designing  leaders  will,  like  Joe  Smith  and 
the  ^lormons,  hug  any  vice,  and  recommend  it  to  the  embrace 
of  any  party,  if  by  pro.stitutiun  they  can  purchase  a  few  votes 
for  themselves  or  their  degraded  party.  These  combinations 
so  far  have  been  too  strong  for  virtuous  men  to  encounter, 
and  they  have  retired  from  the  contest  with  disgust,  if  not  in 
despair.  Men  unworthy  of  office  will  always  join  any  party, 
however  degraded,  and  this  combination  cemented  in  six  thou- 
sand drinking  places,  will  always  be  stronger  than  any  party 


288  DESPOTISM. 

that  can  be  marshaled  under  the  banners  of  virtue.  Rum  and 
ruin  are  inscribed  on  their  banners,  and  with  these,  honest 
men  will  neither  vote  nor  take  office,  said  Mr.  E. 

If  spirits  were  not  sold  in  this  city  by  the  glass,  and  if  all 
were  to  drink  from  this  fountain,  would  the  sorrows  and  suffer- 
ings and  early  deaths  be  lessened  ?  asked  James. 

I  think  three-fourths  of  the  sufferings  that  so  deeply  wound 
the  feelings  of  those  who  from  habit  or  sympathy  are  com- 
pelled to  witness  them,  would  be  avoided,  the  lives  of  the 
lower  classes  greatly  estendei],  and  millions  of  dollars  would 
be  saved  to  the  city  every  year.  But  the  great  moral  reform 
which  Mr.  Delavan,  Governor  Clark,  Judge  Capron  and  other 
friends  of  free  institutions  thought  was  to  accomplish  so  much, 
is  stayed  by  the  vices  of  a  few  individuals,  and  by  the  dema- 
gogues who  are  striving  for  power.  A  man  was  never  nom- 
inated to  office,  and  never  could  be  elected,  simply  on  his  claim 
to  virtuous  character,  and  love  of  his  country  and  of  free  in- 
stitutions. Is  there  a  heart  that  does  not  respond  to  the  truth 
of  these  sentiments  V  If  you  will  in  this  contest  show  me  a 
man  who  abstains  from  the  use  of  spirits,  I  will  show  you  a 
man  esteemed  by  all  parties,  and  by  all  who  know  him,  except 
politicians.  If  you  will  show  me  a  man  who  claims  no  social 
or  domestic  virtues,  I  will  show  you  a  slave  to  spirits,  and  to 
all  the  habits  and  vices  that  well-regulated  society  most  de- 
spise. If  we  admit  by  our  legislation  that  six  thousand  stores 
are  necessary,  and  that  the  vices  that  flow  directly  from  them 
cannot  be  avoided,  why  not  act  consistently,  and  allow  all 
their  victims,  including  their  widows  and  children,  to  die  aa 
fast  as  possible  ?  Our  insane  hospitals  are  full  of  victims,  and 
our  almshouses  give  support  indirectly  to  ten  thousand  per- 
sons !  Why  not  allow  them  all  to  die  without  sympathy,  and 
without  notice  or  support  ?  asked  Mr.  E. 

The  answer  is  that  we  call  ourselves  Christians,  and  pretend 
to  live  under  the  humane  institutions  which  Christianity  has 


DESPOTISM,  289 

introduced  ;  and  that  we  as  Christians  are  not  permitted  to 
allow  members  of  the  human  family  to  starve  to  death,  nor 
are  persons  by  Christian  institutions  allowed  to  kill  themselves 
or  others,  said  James. 

Then  wliy  not  protect  their  lives  while  life  is  worth  pro- 
tecting-, and  before  soul  and  body  are  debased  ?  Does  any 
reflecting  man  admit  that  the  life  of  the  lower  classes  in  Catho- 
lic Europe  is  the  natural  condition  of  a  large  part  of  the  hu- 
man family?  Did  the  Deity  send  a  race  on  earth  to  have 
every  tenth  person  destroyed  by  vices  kept  in  operation  by  our 
wealthy  men,  and  these  men  claiming  the  respect  of  all  classes  ? 
Tliese  degraded  victims,  unable  to  protect  themselves,  have  a 
right  to  claim  the  protection  of  all  who  admit  that  there  is  a 
ditference  between  virtuous  and  vicious  life.  Tliese  victims 
could  have  been  moulded  by  wholesome  influences  to  temper- 
ance and  virtue,  and  every  reflecting  man  knows  it.  What  do 
these  vices  cost  ?  Supporting  the  almshouses,  hospitals,  and 
jails,  are  the  smallest  items.  The  first  encouragement  that  the 
well-wishers  to  free  institutions  have  received  was  from  Judge 
('apron.  The  Court  of  Appeals  may  yet  save  us  from  Catholic 
demoralization.* 


To  exhibit  in  a  strong  light  the  importance  of  the  Prohibitory  Law,  and  to  submit  an 
eminently  practical  argument  in  demonstration  of  the  urgent  necessity  existing  for  its 
prorajit  and  thorough  enforcement  in  this  City,  I  will  state  that  during  the  month  of 
January  last,  368  persons  were  arraigned  for  trial  iu  the  Court  of  Special  Sessions.  Of 
this  number,  166  were  convicted  and  sentenced,  182  were  convicted,  but  the  sentences 
were  suspended  for  various  causes,  and  20  were  acquitted.  Fifty-one  of  the  convicts 
sentenced  were  between  the  ages  of  10  and  20  years,  and  a  very  large  majority  of  those 
in  whose  cases  sentence  was  su.=pended  were  minors,  and  about  100  were  under  the  age 
of  16  years  I  The  crimes  for  which  these  persons  were  arraigned  comprehended  almo>t 
the  whole  catalogue  from  petit  larceny  up  to  murder.  Among  the  whole  number,  1(  2 
were  confirmed  inebriates,  and  every  one  was  more  or  less  intoxicated  when  the  act  w.ia 
committed  for  which  the  complaint  was  made,  though  62  professsed  temperate  habits. 
But  it  was  a  shallow  pretence  ;  their  appearance  belied  the  averment.  Other  very 
significant  characteristics  di.-itinguish  these  cases.  Nearly  all  of  them  originated  in  tl.e 
niglit,  a  large  proportion  of  them  after  midnight,  and  the  scenes  of  the  calastrophns 
were  laid  in  fashionable  drinking  saloons  and  tippling  houses  of  less  repute.     Brothels 

13 


290  DESPOTISM. 

After  men  and  women  are  ruined  by  our  own  neglect,  we 
spend  our  time  and  our  money  to  support  and  to  reform  them, 
One  tenth  part  of  this  sum,  if  spent  in  preventing  vice  and 
crime,  would  be  more  effectual  in  preventing  the  sufferings  of 
t'omales  and  children,  and  in  saving  the  lives  of  those  who  by 
nature  and  by  early  contamination  are  rendered  unable  to  pro- 
tect and  support  their  wives,  their  children  and  themselves. 
If  six  thousand  stores  take  twenty-five  dollars  each  day,  there 
are  fifty-four  millions  of  dollars  taken  every  year  from  the 
drinking  classes,  and  much  of  it  from  those  whose  families  suf- 
fer for  the  comforts  of  life,  that  this  amount  would  supply. 
We  have  nearly  seven  hundred  thousand  persons  in  the  city ; 
and  four  hundred  thousand  spend  twenty-five  cents  each  day 
at  the  stores,  and  the  aggregate  is  thirty-six  millions  !  Com- 
})ared  with  these  items,  what  are  taxes,  schooling,  churches, 
minihters,  books,  lectures,  and  all  the  institutions  to  which  in 
coming  years  society  must  look  for  its  conservative  element, 
and  its  elevation  ?  Our  city  tax  is  only  a  little  over  four  mil- 
lions, and  we  all  complain  of  the  amount.  The  largest  part  of 
these  items  of  fifty-four  or  of  thirty  six  millions,  comes  from 
the  eai'nings  of  persons  who  rob  it  from  their  suffering  wives 
and  children,  and  in  middle  age  they  die  and  leave  them  to 
beggary  and  abject  suflerings.  Will  the  virtuous  and  the  re- 
llecting  ever  control  this  great  city? 

The  largest  tax  to  which  the  city  and  all  our  charitable  so- 
cieties and  liberal  individuals  are  subjected,  would  be  avoided 
it'  we  could  save  the  lower  classes  from  intemperance.  If  the 
law-makers  agree  in  asserting  that  these  vices  are  incurable, 
ofwhatuseare  ministers,  missionaries,  and  all  the  societies 
for  the  benefit  of  men  ?     To  be  consistent,  we  should  let  the 

«  Pre  not  unrepresented  in  this  long  and  mournful  catalogue  of  our  doomed  fellaw  men. 
About  5,000  other  cases  of  a  Police  character  have  been  acljudicated  in  the  four  Police 
( .)urts  of  this  City,  in  the  same  time  I — Ej>tract  from  Judge  Capron's  cMrge  to  the  Granc^ 
Jury,  Feb.  1856. 


DESPOTISM.  29 1 

broad  current  of  vice  sweep  off  its  millions  without  control, 
and  without  regret !  But  if  the  hiw-mukers  and  the  virtuous 
men  of  the  country  decide  that  six  tliousand  stores  are  not  ne- 
ct'ssar}',  then  close  them,  and  you  will  save  ten  persons  where 
charity  and  almshouses  and  hospitals  save  one  ! 

I  never  see  the  Reservoir,  nor  am  I  reminded  of  it,  without 
a  nervous  irritability  amounting  almost  to  derangement.  All 
kinds  of  creatures  are  dancing  before  my  eyes — asleep  or 
awake,  the  affliction  is  the  same.  I  do  wish  I  had  never  en- 
gaged my  feelings  in  this  temperance  movement.  We  are  not 
assisted  by  the  officers  of  the  State  and  city,  as  we  should  be. 
The  men  who  make  the  laws,  and  the  men  who  administer 
them,  can  do  more  in  one  year  than  we  can  do  in  our  life  time 
to  alleviate  human  suffering.  I  am  sick  and  entirely  discour- 
aged, said  Mr.  E. 

Catholic  votes  have  ruled  this  city,  but  virtuous  men  and  a 
new  party  are  now  stepping  forward,  and  will  soon  insure  a 
victory  that  the  virtuous  world  will  hail  as  a  triumph.  Near 
this  Reservoir  I  must  linger.  The  moon  is  shining  upon  the 
scene  before  us,  and  we  may  here  ask,  in  vievv  of  this  temple, 
why  the  world  is  not  virtuous  and  happy  ?  You  are  disap- 
pointed in  your  favorite  reforms  ;  but  the  world  is  not  always 
dark.  You  are  not  now  in  health — you  have  worked  in  the 
cause  of  reform  till  your  energies  are  sinking  under  their  over- 
taxed and  unrewarded  efforts — your  mind  is  not  in  health,  you 
are  evidently  depressed,  and  you  may  be  worse.  You  should 
1,  ave  the  field  of  your  labors  for  a  time,  and  visit  the  lovely 
scenes  of  our  romantic  country.  You  will  return  improved  in 
health  of  mind  and  body,  said  James. 

I  cannot  leave  my  post.  I  shall  live  or  die  in  this  my  last 
contest  for  expiring  virtue.  I  am  called  a  Spiritualist,  and  I 
admit  that  I  hold  communion  with  departed  friends;  but  why 
should  I  be  despised  ?  All  know  that  I  am  sincere  in  my 
belief  of  the  doctrine.     Are  persons  to  be  per.-^ccuted  for  their 


292  DESPOTIF.  M. 

religious  belief?  Hark!  "What  do  I  hear?  Is  all  this  a 
vision?  Hiirk  !  What  are  those  distant  sounds?  Do  you 
hear  music?  Can  it  be  Dodwortli's  band?  Did  you  ever 
hear  such  inspiring  music  ?  It  now  approaches  !  There  must 
be  a  procession  in  the  street !  Look,  as  far  as  the  eye  can 
reach  !  I  see  them  in  the  thronged  streets  !  It  cannot  be 
an  illusion  !  They  are  gentlemen  and  ladies,  two  and  two,  all 
full  of  life  and  joy  !  Was  there  ever  such  a  merry  party  ? 
There  are  young  men  and  young  ladies,  girls  and  boys !  See 
them  all  talking  and  laughing  !  Now  I  see  roses  in  their  hair 
and  in  their  hands  !  See,  they  have  baskets  full  of  flowers. 
AVhat  will  they  do  with  them?  The  fragrance  is  delicious. 
Is  it  a  wedding,  or  is  it  a  ball?  Can  we  join  them?  See 
they  come,  they  come — I  never  saw  so  many  happy  faces. 
Health  on  life  is  now  presuming,  beauty  now  in  health  is 
blooming,  wreaths  are  on  every  brow,  and  love  is  sporting 
gayly.  I  now  discover  what  it  is — it  is  a  cold  water  celebra- 
tion ! 

Look  !  I  see  Judge  Capron,  Dodge,  Oliver,  Ellery,  Mc- 
Kean,  Broous,  Marsh,  Delavan,  Crawford,  Greeley,  Freeland, 
Burleigh,  Dr.  Hutton,  Governor  Clark,  Beecher,  Dr.  Tyng, 
Swift,  ]\[inturn,  Hoffman,  Rogers,  Bishop,  Bradford,  Butts, 
W.  Clark,  Z.  Clark,  Danforth,  Dickinson,  Dorrance,  Field, 
Goodwin,  Hulsey,  Hitchcock,  Hopkins,  Munroe,  Putnam, 
Richards,  Robertson,  Sherrill,  Walker,  Whitney,  Williams, 
Baldwin,  J.  Bennett,  J.  P.  Bennett,  Beyea,  Blakeslee,  Boyn- 
ton,  Brush,  Buckley,  Bushnell,  Chester,  Cocks,  S.  B.  Cole, 
Covey,  Eames,  Everest,  Fairchild,  Ferdon,  Fitch,  Gates, 
Gleason,  Goddard,  Headley,  Hull,  Hunt,  Jimmerson,  C.  P. 
Johnson,  L.  B.  Johnson,  Kendig,  Knapp,  Kirkland,  Lamport, 
Leigh,  Littlefield,  l^ourie,  Machan,  McKinney,  Mallory,  Main, 
Masters,  May,  E.  Miller,  L.  Miller,  Munro,  Odell,  Paine,  D. 
Palmer,  F.  W.  Palmer,  Peck,  Pennoyer,  Piatt,  Ramsay,  Ray- 
nioud,  Rickerson,  Ridei-,  Rhodes,   Schuyler,  B.  Smith,  J.  A. 


DESPOTISM.  293 

Smith,  S.  Smith,  Speaker,  Stanton,  Stebbins,  Stevens,  Storrs, 
Terbune,  G.  Tompkins,  I.  Tompkins,  Van  Etten,  Van  Osdol, 
Warner,  Walker,  Ward,  Wells,  E.  S.  Whalen,  S.  S.  Whallon, 
A.  G.  Williams,  G.  D.  Williams,  Wilsey,  Wisner,  Wooden, 
Wygant,  Hewitt,  Rev.  T.  L.  Cuyler,  Asa  Parker,  W.  W.  Cor- 
nell, Kellogg,  Benedict,  Buckman,  North,  J.  B.  Cornell,  Fal- 
coner, Lewis,  De  Groot,  Wolfe,  Mackibbin,  Dr.  Wilson,  Jas. 
Harper,  D.  Fanshaw,  A.  Brush,  H.  Lloyd,  Hon.  C.  C.  Leigh, 
A.  E.  Beach,  Francis  Godine,  James  0.  Bennett,  0.  H.  Lee, 
John  W.  Oliver,  Rev.  Heman  Bangs,  L.  B.  Lodcr,  J.  Sudlow, 
Worrall,  Dufi",  Livingston,  AVeeks,  Edner,  Forrester,  Havens, 
Lewis,  Falconer,  Field,  J.  F.  Williams,  J.  S.  Miller,  Stephen- 
son, Quinan,  Tate,  Henry  Moore,  George  Myers,  Buckman, 
Dr.  Townsend,   Blackett,  James  W.   Barker,   John  Savery, 

E.  S.  Halsted,  Anson  G.  Phelps,  Shepherd,  Morison,  Crasto, 
Dr.  Kirby,  Dr.  Kennedy,  S.  R.  Spelman,  Stephen  Barker,  B. 

F.  Pinckney,  Harriott,  Patterson,  Irving,  Shipman,  Rusher, 
Budd,  Dr.  Wm.  Miller,  Terbell,  Hartley,  Baxter,  Sherman, 
Chapin,  Ellery,  Edgerly,  Rev.  C.  J.  Warren,  Andrus,  Hal- 
sted,  Joy,   Leonard,  H.  Moore,  Purdy,  Macdonough,  Hinton. 

They  are  all  in  rich  dresses — how  gay  they  are  !  The  sight 
is  lovely.  The  music  now  is  changed.  Hark  ! — it  is  now  the 
organ  that  leads  the  anthem  !  They  come — they  come — the 
whole  city  comes  to  worship  around  this  cold  water  tem- 
ple. See  them  fill  their  flowing  bowls  with  sparkling  water, 
and  quaff  health  and  happiness  in  gushing  streams.  We  will 
leave  them  to  their  devotions. 

What  horrid  sight  is  that  ?  Look  !  Do  you  see  the  house 
that  was  built  with  brandy  ?  Hark !  The  music  now  is 
chano^ed  !  Is  that  the  dirge  of  death  ?  What  are  those  crea- 
tures  that  now  approach  ?  Have  they  all  been  drinking  in 
that  house  ?  I  see  !  They  are  demons  diabolical,  and  foul 
spectres  from  infernal  regions  !  I  must  avert  my  eyes — the 
scene  is  too  appalling  !      Is  that  the  dance  of  death  ?     Oh,  I 


294  DESPOTISM. 

cannot  die !  I  was  innocent !  1  am  but  a  child  !  I  must  be 
spared  this  death  !  Who  says  they  must  be  spared  ?  Who 
says  they  are  but  a  child  ?  Who  says  they  cannot  die  ?  You 
are  all  dead,  in  horrid  torments  burning  !  See — they  dance 
and  sing,  and  shout  and  yell !  Were  these  spectres  ever  mor- 
tals ?  Must  I  look  on  such  sights  ?  Oh,  do  spare  me  !  Wlio 
are  they  ?  Oh,  see  their  dress  !  I  cannot  look  on  creatures 
without  senses  !  Their  clothes  are  loose,  and  their  forms  are 
but  half  concealed  ;  they  have  no  reason,  their  eyes  stand  out 
and  stare  !  Can  they  see  their  own  horrid  condition?  They 
will  kill  each  other  or  themselves,  no  matter  which  !  Have 
they  come  from  attics,  or  cellars,  or  vile  streets  ?  Now  I  see 
they  are  all  children,  led  away  to  ruin  !  What  fiend  has  in- 
vaded life's  purest,  holiest  garden  ?  Where  do  twenty-four 
thousand  live  ?  They  do  not  live — they  are  fallen  angels  and 
children,  and  exist  only  in  the  imagination,  in  dreams,  and  in 
awful  visions  of  men  who  drink  cold  water  !  Oh  Heaven  ! — 
See  them  fight !  With  every  blow  comes  passion's  horrid  de- 
solating fire,  see  it  from  the  bare  body  flashing !  See  the 
huge  monster  in  the  distance;  he  now  approaches  :  it  is  that 
snake-like  monster  called  grim  Alcohol,  covered  with  spots 
and  stripes  of  all  colors  !  He  has  a  head — a  female  head;  he 
looks  delighted  Send  me  more,  send  me  more,  these  souls  I 
like ;  I  deal  in  fire  and  fiery  passions ;  I  lure  the  innocent  to 
ruin  ;  I  want  souls,  I  will  have  them.  I  want  the  innocent 
and  unsuspecting — I  want  thousands  !  Where  are  your  ships  ? 
send  for  more  poison ;  set  your  stills  all  going,  we  must  crush 
this  foolish  virtue  !  See  how  he  rears  his  awful  head  ; — it 
towers  up  like  a  great  steeple.  Now  his  forked  tongue  is 
flashing  fire  !  Tbis  horrid  stench  of  sulphureous  gas  will  stop 
my  breath,  and  I  shall  die  with  deep  emotion.  I  cannot  look 
again  !  You  will  not  tell  me  that  these  horrid  spectres,  once 
had  flesh,  and  lived  in  beauty's  form,  all  clothed  in  innocence 
and  loveliness  ?     Were  they  ever  made  in  their  Creator's  ira- 


DESPOTISM.  205 

age,  with  faces  of  angelic  sweetness,  looking  up  to  heaven,  or 
kneeling,  and  usldng  aid  for  genius,  and  highest  aspirations  ? 
You  do  not  mean  that  they  once  were  innocent !  They  were 
as  innocent,  as  pure,  as  lovely,  as  intellectual  as  Heaven 
could  make  tliera,  was  the  response.  Then  who  has  caused 
this  horrid,  horrid  profanation  of  our  Creator's  fairest,  sweet- 
est, holiest  image  !  Now  they  are  marching  off  to  death.  Oh 
these  sounds — are  they  the  discord  of  the  infernal  regions ; — 
you  do  not  call  it  music  !  Oh  see  the  throngs  of  children  ! — 
this  is  more  than  my  heart  can  bear  !  But  they  must  go,  for 
they  cannot  live  in  a  pure  city  !  They  lived  on  ram,  and  the 
stores  are  closed,  and  Governor  Clark  and  Judge  Capron  have 
given  them  a  walking  ticket.  But  they  are  marching  to  a 
doom  too  horrible  to  contemplate.  Pangs  of  life  are  deep — 
but  pangs  of  death  are  deeper.  I  hear  wails  of  anguish  that 
ascend  to  heaven.  I  see  tears  of  deep  contrition  on  cheeks 
once  beautiful !  I  was  nurtured  in  poverty.  I  roamed  the 
streets ;  no  father's  care,  no  mother's  kisses  ever  pressed  these 
cheeks  ;  but  I  came  from  my  Creator  pure  and  holy ! 

I  do  pity  thee  !  Thy  life,  once  innocent,  was  placed  by 
Providence  in  our  care.  Thy  wails  are  ever  sounding  in  my 
ear,  and  driving  me  to  life's  deepest  agony.  You  are  des- 
troyed, and  hold  responsible  before  a  just  Heaven,  the  fathers 
of  this  great  city,  and  all  who  live  on  crimes. 

But  look  again  at  the  house  built  with  brandy.  From  its 
spacious  doors  comes  forth  a  host  of  men  and  boys,  you  can- 
not count  them  1  What  is  the  condition  of  them  all  ?  Are 
they  all  crazy  ?  They  have  music.  Hark  !  The  notes  dis- 
tress me ;  they  are  lascivious  !  The  men  are  all  reeling  to  and 
fro,  and  the  sight  is  horrible.  Do  3'ou  hear  them  scream  and 
yell,  and  call  God's  name  in  horrible  oaths!  The}'-  must  be 
demons  diabolical !  Now  I  see,  they  are  young  men,  and  old 
men  with  faces  all  red  and  full  of  foul  sores  and  diseases.  Do 
you  see  patches  and  blotches,  and  hairless  heads,  with  bloated 


296 


D  E  S  F  O  T  I  8  IvT 


bodies  full  of  contagion,  bound  up  in  rags  so  horribly  repul- 
sive !  Their  eyes  are  swollen,  they  cannot  see  ;  their  limbs 
are  stiff.  Where  have  they  been  and  where  are  they  going — 
is  it  to  scenes  of  vice  and  sin  ?  Where  do  they  live  ?  This 
avenue  has  no  youtig  men  who  join  in  such  processions  !  They 
come  from  Tammany — they  come  from  the  Five  Points — they 
come  from  Catholic  Europe — they  come  from  six  thousand 
bad  places  !  I  see  boys  who  came  to  this  city  from  the  coun- 
try, from  the  schools  and  colleges  of  the  South  and  distant 
cities,  all  of  them  pure,  and  with  their  mother's  icisses  fresh 
upon  their  cheeks.  Were  all  these  creatures  temperate  once? 
'J'hen  how  came  they  crazy  ?  Are  they  all  going  to  ruin,  to 
degradation,  to  deep  disgrace  of  fathers,  mothers,  brothers 
and  sisters  ?  I  do  pity  them  !  Are  they  James  Irving,  Pau- 
deen,  John  IMorrissey,  Turner,  Harrington,  Country  McClus- 
key,  Johnny  Ling,  Seymour,  Walsh,  Eynders,  Sickles,  Ellery, 
Eobbins,  Millwood,  Wolfe,  Brownson,  Dr.  Sanborn,  Baker, 
Bogart,  Stuart,  Van  Buren,  Hall,  Hearne,  HiJlraan,  Beers. — 
Are  there  any  persons  who  voted  against  the  Maine  law  ? 

Barnard,  Barr,  Crooks,  Crosby,  Hutchins,  Lansing,  Pratt, 
Spencer,  Storing,  Watkins,  Yost.  Aitken,  Allen,  Baldwin^ 
Baker,  Beecher,  Blakeslee,  Blatehford,  Blessing,  Bridenbec- 
ker,  Campbell,  Case,  Chapin,  Churchill,  Clark,  E.  Cole,  Cole- 
man, Comstock,  Conger,  Davidson,  Davy,  Devening,  Dixoii, 
Donnon,  Dumont,  Edwards,  Emans,  Green,  Evans,  Maguire, 
^McLaughlin,  Mundy,  O'Keefe,  Parsons,  Petty,  Phelps,  Sey- 
mour, Smalley,  W.  B.  Smith,  Terhune,  Wager,  Waterbury, 
Weed. 

Are  there  any  who  met  in  convention,  to  oppose  the  laws  of 
our  sovereign  State  ? 

E.  French,  New  York; 

M.  Bunce,  Kings  county ; 

Mr.  Simmons,  Eenssalaer  county ; 

Ezra  Trull,  Montgomery  county; 


DEsroTiSM.  297 

Stephen  J.  Thorn,  Oneida  county ; 

W.  Gr.  Veeder,  Chemung  ; 

0.  H.  Booth,  Dutchess  county. 

Albany  county — John  Taylor,  Jacob  Ilendrickson,  William 
Davis,  John  Irvars,  John  Tracy,  Friend  A.  Andrews,  Lucius 
Brighard,  W.  Weldon,  Philip  Dunne  H.  A.  Veazie,  Jun.  Ch. 
Ashley,  ^Y.  D.  Herrick. 

Broome  county — L.  S.  White,  J.  B.  Lewis,  J.  B.  Bodie. 

Chemung  county — W.  L.  Rosder. 

Cortlandt  county — W.  S.  Copeland,  Isaac  Fairchild,  C. 
Kohler. 

Dutchess  county — O.  H.  Booth,  N.  Palmer,  John  McLean. 

Erie  county — Lyman  Knnpp,  H.  L.  Fowler,  J.  V.  Vander- 
pool. 

Genesee  county — Robert  S.  Syme,  William  T.  Lawrence, 
John  Chapman,  Hiram  Peet,  Amos  Spencer,  0.  B.  Davis, 
W.  E.  Siiidmore,  Duncan  MacNaughten,  G.  Kellogg.  Geo. 
Knowles,  S.  A.  Wilson,  Eli  Fish. 

Herkimer  county — John  Golden,  John  V.  Hosch,  W. 
Chapman. 

Kings  county — John  Langstaff,  Edward  E.  Collins,  Thos. 
Toynbee,  George  B.  Ping,  A.  A.  Myers  A.  J.  Harrison, 
John  Buckley. 

Lewis  county — Thomas  L.  Sheldan,  James  Eedrie,  Thos. 
Atwood,  J.  H.  Sheldon,  P.  S.  Stevens,  S.  M.  Van  Nomer, 
H.  C.  Oatman,  J.  Darley,  E.  C.  Potter,  David  Stillman,  C. 
Woods  worth,  E.  Jones. 

Montgomery  county — J.  Snack,  John  Flint,  P.  B.  Adams, 
Ezra  Trail,  H.  Sons. 

New  York — C.  W.  Campbell,  James  Cassidy,  James  Wal- 
lace, H.  Mooney,  E.  J.  Darcey,  P.  B.  Fairchild,  C.  H.  Ping, 
George  Cox,  J.  W.  Cogswell,  B.  G.  Maloney,  Christian  W. 
Schaflfer,  J.  Harrison,  A.  P.  Booth,  M.  M.  Lard,  H.  Van 
Velser,  J.  Blackbourne,  P.  C.  Montgomery,  J.  H.  Williams, 
13* 


298  DESPOTISM. 

George  "W.  Fowler,  A.  M.  Matthews,  A.  K,  Browne,  Ed- 
ward Story,  Gilbert  C.  Dean,  H.  0.  Read,  J.  L.  Linheiin,  R- 
Onderdonk,  M.  Towmay,  John  Iloft,  Lewis  Kelly,  John  W. 
Steinfelt,  E.  L.  Donnelly,  W.  Eaynor,  Tbomas  Whelan,  Jas. 
Daly,  Martin  Doscher,  Horatio  Eeed,  P.  G.  Taylor,  William 
Eoach,  William  Dornan,  W.  Tappan,  L.  Munsen,  Henry  13. 
Venn,  Charles  Rittsfield,  James  Keane,  W.  Howe,  Jas.  Mul- 
vihill,  B.  Kelly,  J.  H.  Myers,  M.  Smith,  J.  H.  Burnett,  John 
J.  Armour. 

Oneida  county— J.  Crook,  T.  S.  Thome,  P.  V.  Midnard, 
M.  ]\[cDarley,  John  F.  Kettel,  P.  Keiser,  M.  McQuade,  Chas. 
Eouck,  N.  Morris. 

Onondaga  county — G.  B.  Parker,  J.  Eitchie,  J.  H.  John- 
ston, J.  K.  Williams,  J  H.  Scoville,  H.  Candee,  H.  W.  Chad- 
wick,  G.  PI.  Earle,  W.  W.  Segge,  D.  Wallace,  G.  Greenway, 
H.  Kingsley. 

Eensselaer  county — L.  Powers,  J.  Simons,  P.  S.  Malloney. 

Eichmond  county — T.  S.  Jone;?,  A.  Vanderbilt,  T.  Swinton. 

Steuben  county — S.  A.  Thing. 

Schuyler  county — F.  J.  Taylor,  M.  Freer,  I.  Curtis. 

Westchester  county — G.  Goold. 

Yates  county — L.  Thompson,  N.  H.  Walson,  A.  Beals,  C. 
Hubbard,  Amasa  Trull,  Eichard  Noshden,  George  Cubaugh. 

Wayne  county — Joshua  Coydon,  Charles  E.  Elliott,  W.  H. 
Coffin,  Silas  Eook,  P.  G.  Barney,  AV.  Hanan. 

^lorris  county — A.  Saywood,  C.  A.  Key. 

Saratoga  county — J.  F.  Blanchard. 

Where  are  they  all  going  ?  It  cannot  be  that  such  men 
will  join  the  fallen  angels,  or  oppose  our  best  institutions — 
they  should  be  men  of  virtue,  and  I  hope  they  are.  But  these 
horrid  sounds  are  ever  in  my  ear,  and  haunting  my  imagina- 
tion. I  cannot  see  murder  most  foul,  of  soul  and  body.  Kind 
Heaven,  is  it  thy  decree,  that  innocence,  virtue,  life,  love,  and 
all  that  on  earth  is  worth  possei<siug,  shall   bo   immolated  on 


DESPOTISM.  2^9 

six  thousand  infernal  altars  ?  In  thy  goodness,  give  us  ano- 
ther dispensation,  give  us  a  n-evv  revelation  of  thy  power  and 
love,  give  us  thy  own  inspiration  to  speal^,  to  urge,  to  beg  for 
a  reformation  ? 

Mr  E.  now  seemed  nearly  exhausted  with  his  paroxysm. 
Eestoratives  were  not  to  be  obtained.  Soon  after,  he  seemed 
to  be  in  conversation  with  an  invisible  person,  which  he  imag- 
ined was  McFlippin. 

I  see  a  w'ell-dressed  man,  I  know  your  name,  it  is  McFlip- 
pin, for  it  cannot  be  a  vision,  I  have  not  lost  my  senses  !  See, 
he  bows,  said  Mr.  E. 

Mr.  E.,  you  seem  to  be  absorbed  with  some  deep  affliction, 
and  I  am  sorry  for  it,  but  I  can  relieve  your  suffering,  and  I 
will  do  it ;  my  name,  you  know,  is  McFhppin.  I  have  reflec- 
ted some  on  this  state  of  things  which  now  disturbs  you, 
and  all  such  men,  and  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion,  that 
things  are  all  right.  The  truth  is,  you  start  from  wrong  pre- 
mises. You  think  all  the  blessings  of  this  great  country,  come 
from  a  good  creator.  There  never  was  a  greater  mistake, 
and  I  can  prove  it.  There  is  no  creator,  and  we  will  hear  of 
none.  There  is  no  revelation,  and  we  Cathohcs  know  it.  You 
Protestants  may  save  your  labor,  no  reformation  is  necessarv, 
the  world  was  made  for  Catholics  and  rum-sellers.  In  Cuih- 
olic  France,  they  enshrined,  and  worshiped  a  female  creature, 
and  called  it  the  goddess  of  reason.  Napoleon  worshiped  no 
other,  they  do  not  anywhere  in  Catholic  Europe.  They  all 
say  that  death  ends  torments,  and  virtues  too,  all  die  like 
beasts.  Our  best  institutions  do  not  come  from  virtuous  men, 
they  come  from  drinking-places,  and  the  Catholics  all  know  it. 
Bweet  infancy,  beauty,  loveliness,  domestic  happiness,  all,  all, 
our  cherished  blessings,  are  sent  from  the  bad  regions,  by 
infernal  demons !  We  can  prove  it !  Peace,  good  order, 
quiet  sabbaths,  freedom,  schools,  churches,  all  holy  influences 
will  prevail,  when  we  all   worship  the  evil  spirits;    we   shall 


300  DESPOTISW. 

burn  the  schoola  and  Protestant  churches  f  Yoa  must  be 
fools, — you  are  worse  than  fanatics  to  think  that  you  caa 
plant  virtue  in  this  soil  of  vice.  We  claim  it  all  for  the  Cath- 
olic virtues  of  Europe.  We  know  what  liberty  is — we  come 
from  the  land  of  virtues.  Liberty  is  to  dance,  and  sing,  and 
drink,  and  ride,  and  gamble  with  our  Cathc^ic  party,  on  Sun- 
dii^'s,  and  all  other  day&;  it  is  to  elect  our  own  Catholics,  and 
we  will  do  it.  Napoleon  enshrined  the  vices,  and  all  who 
bowed  their  heads  were  chained  to  despotism  ;  he  banished 
virtue,  and  we  will  do  it.  We  have  priests  without  wives,  you 
will  not  doubt  their  virtues  ?  Do  you  think  we  are  less  virtu- 
ous than  they  are  ?  We  have  large  funds,,  and  rich  men  tO' 
lu;lp  us  ;  we  have  Catholics,  high  in  office,  and  we  have  papers^ 
and  rich  sub.scribers.  Now  let  the  fight  begini, — we  areready^ 
p:iid  McFlippin. 

I  yield  to  you  ;  our  cause  is  lost,  the  contest  is  unequal. 
Give  us  rum,  give  us  ruin,  give  us  vice,  and  sin,  erect  your 
j^allows,  call  your  brothers  in  ;  we  join  the  march  I  The 
trumpet  notes  are  Dotes  of  joy  ;  to  death,  to  misery,  sin  and 
degradation,  we  march  with  Catholic  banners  flying  in  tri- 
umph over  us!  Rome  reigns,  and  the  country  lies  bleeding  at 
her  feet !  Here  I  drop  a  tear,  let  it  blot  out  my  hopeless 
exhortations,  said  Mr.  E. 

Mr.  E.,  I  am  distressed  to  see  your  great  depression  :  it 
will,  I  think,  be  removed  with  more  cheering  new.«i.  Judge 
Cipron  is  with  you,  and  the  Court  of  Appeals  may  yet  sus- 
luin  the  law  ;  and  enable  you  to  recover  your  serenity  of  mind  ;, 
and  I  sincerely  hope  you  will  find  relief  Your  mind  is  strain- 
ed to  au  undue  degree,  and  you  are  entitled  to  the  sympathy 
of  all  the  well-wishers  to  the  cause  in  which  you  are  engaged. 
You  must  not  regard  the  cause  as  desperate  because  men  op- 
pose the  laws,  or  nullify  them  ;  these  things  have  always  been 
done  by  one  class  of  men  for  money,  and  always  will  be  said 
James. 


DESPOTISM.  301 

I  will  admit  that  I  am  subject  to  attacks  of  nervous  affec- 
tion or  delirium,  and  I  feel  that  one  is  now  approaching.  At 
such  times  I  am  a  spiritualist,  and  can  converse  with  spirits 
above,  and  spirits  visit  and  converse  with  me  here,  who  have 
been  dead  for  years.  You  would  not  call  me  a  monomaniac ! 
I  have  not  lost  my  senses  !  You  do  not  think  that  I  am  in- 
sane !  I  may  be  under  a  slight  hallucination  !  You  surely 
do  not  call  me  insane,  do  you  ?  I  can  at  times  look  up  to  the 
great  orb  which  shines  upon  us,  and  almost  see  those  with 
whom  I  was  once  united.  My  wife,  my  daughters  !  Life 
without  them  is  not  worth  possessing.  I  have  lost  my  judicial 
robes,  and  now  in  sorrow  I  am  sinking.  0  Heaven,  restore 
my  family.  Restore  them  to  me  here  !  I  cannot  live,  I  can- 
not die  in  desolation  !  It  was  thy  goodness.  Oh  my  Creator, 
that  framed  that  orb ;  it  is  thy  goodness  that  continues 
this  glorious  light.  For  this,  for  all  thy  goodness,  I  do  thank 
thee.  The  ]\\j  of  the  field,  the  perfumed  rose,  the  sweet- 
scented  violet,  are  thy  gifts.  The  hills,  the  valleys,  the  flow- 
ery streams,  the  meadows  so  green  and   beautiful .     The 

rich  harvest  that  pours  its  boundless  wealth  into  the  lap  of  in- 
dustry— the  lowing  herds  that  feed  on  thy  rich  bounties — 
the  noble  horse  which  prances  gaily — the  wealth  of  this  great 
and  happy  country — the  canals,  the  railroads,  the  banks,  all 
that  represent  its  boundless  blessings — the  great  cities  of  this 
peaceful,  happy  country — the  rich  legacies  of  rich  men  to  vir- 
tue, religion,  education,  and  to  suffering,  sinking,  heart-strick- 
en humanity — Oh  how  much  we  owe  them  all The  Union, 

now  and  forever,  of  all  hearts  to  promote  the  good  and  the 
wise  measures  of  the  South,  the  North,  and  all  other  sections 
— the  pleasant  Avenues,  like  belts  of  gold,  all  fringed  with 
gardens,  and  gushing  fragrance — the  sweet  zephyr  that  kisses 
the  cheek  of  beauty — these  gorgeous,  glorious,  happy  palaces 
where  life,  innocence,  beauty,  taste,  virtue,  temperance,  exist, 
and  all  that  in  life  is  lovely — the  great  temples  erected  to  the 


302  DESPOTISM. 

living  God  ;  their  splendor,  their  size,  their  beauty,  represent 
thy  boundless  goodness.  Here  thy  messengers  without 
dogn:ias  shall  show  the  way  to  Heaven.  The  men  who  show 
that  human  frailt}'-,  passion,  and  ambition,  are  the  rocks  oa 
which  all  free  governments  have  foundered — the  men  who 
show  that  we  should  be  satisfied  with  our  blessings,  and 
that  perfection  in  men  and  institutions  is  not  apart  of  human- 
ity. The  schools  of  science  which  elevate  the  whole  human 
family,  till  men  can  talk  in  imagination  with  the  Divinity  ; 
thou  didst  not  thus  with  revelations  enlighten  Moses —  The 
charms  of  literature,  that  melt  the  heart  with  rapture — the 
great  orbs  which  roll  in  never-ending  harmony — the  great 
men  who  have  lived  and  died,  the  great  men  who  yet  live  to 
hold  communion  with  thee,  and  wuth  all  thy  children,  and  give 
us  all  the  revelations  of  thy  goodness —  The  millions  of  suns 
and  stars,  and  solar  systems,  which  astronomy  has  opened  to 
our  viev^^,  enlarging  our  contemplation  and  inflaming  our  ima- 
gination—  The  clear  and  sure  conviction  that  dogmas  are 
impediments  to  mental  progress —  The  love  of  light,  of  truth, 
of  investigation,  spread  abroad  by  men  of  liberal  and  enlarged 
intellect —  Tlie  rural  scenes  of  quiet  loveliness,  the  shady 
trees,  the  quiet  walk,  the  cultivated  fields —  The  ocean's 
safety,  the  quick  and  sure  flight  across  its  troubled  bosom,  to 
scenes  as  dear  as  life  and  love,  and  thy  great  developments 
can  make  them —  The  clear  and  sure  conviction  that  thy  life 
and  love  are  everywhere,  in  thy  first  and  last,  and  never-end- 
ing revelations —  All,  all  of  these,  and  thousands  of  other 
evidences  that  thou  art  good,  and  that  man  is  good,  if  he 
can  oppose  bad  influences —  Beyond  all  others,  the  clear 
and  sure,  the  undoubted  evidences,  that  if  we  oppose  bad 
influences  succesi<fully,  we  shall  be  with  thee  in  happiness 
forever  and  forever. 

For  these  all,    Oh    my    Creator,  we  do  thank  thee.     Here 
we  ofler  incense  on  the  altar  of  thy   goodness  I     Before   thy 


DESPOTISM.  303 

goodness  fails,  all,  all  thy  goodness  has  bestowed  shall  fail 
and  crumble —  The  rose  shall  lose  its  sweetness,  the  lily- 
shall  lose  its  colors,  fragrance  shall  rise  no  more  to  charm  the 
senses —  The  hills  shall  fall,  the  valleys  rise,  the  streams  re- 
fuse to  flow —  The  rich  harvests  shall  turn  to  chaff",  the  rich 
soils  shall  be  ashheaps —  The  lowing  herds  shall  die,  and 
leave  the  farms  all  desolate —  All  wealth  shall  turn  to  dross, 
and  gold  shall  be  turned  to  stones,  and  saving  banks  shall 
pass  to  robbers —  Railroads  and  canals  shall  sink  to  murky 
pits,  all  stagnant —  Schools  shall  be  turned  to  places  for  dis- 
sipation, with  forms  all  debased  and  daubed  with  horror — 
Science  shall  lose  its  expounders,  its  votaries,  its  worshipers — 
The  inspiration  of  literature  shall  turn  to  foul  influences,  and 
give  tales  of  dark  and  deadly  scenes  of  pollution,  and  stories 
of  saints  that  no  man  of  truth  believes —  Men  of  sense  and 
vast  capacities,  made  by  God  to  lead  the  virtuous,  shall  be 
drowned  in  their  potations —  These  lovely  avenues  where 
we  do  walk,  shall  be  filled  with  foul  weeds,  with  briars,  and 
with  poisonous  herbs —  The  cool  western  breeze  which  fans 
the  cheek  of  beauty,  shall  turn  to  the  poisonous  sirocco — 
These  gorgeous,  glorious  happy  palaces,  shall  be  filled  with 
creatures  all  spawning  in  slime,  in  pollution,  and  horrid  de- 
gradation—  The  great,  the  good,  the  holy  temples,  slrll 
send  forth  notes  of  horrid  discord,  which  appall  the  heart  and 
show  that  all  is  lost —  The  abolition  of  men  from  all  restraint 
of  laws,  of  principles,  God's  wholesome  laws,  is  now  com- 
plete !  Anarchy  rears  his  awful  head  and  mane,  and  looks 
round  with  eyeballs  glaring  fire —  Your  color,  your  age, 
your  intellect  are  nothing  ;  give  reins  to  passions  diabolical, 
and  send  back  the  whole  world  to  chaos  and  to  death  !  Oh, 
God,  are  these  to  be  true  ?  The  great  lizards  of  the  ancient 
world,  and  serpents  of  awful  dimensions,  shall  roam  and 
reign —  Huge  black  monsters  with  tails  and  horns,  flat  heads, 
bodies  beastly,     half  man,    lialf  horrid  creature,    with    clubs 


304  DESPOTISM. 

are  dashing  out  each  other's  brains,  and  the  brains  of  white 
men,  the  brothers  of  us  all —  Great  rivers  of  blood,  flowing 
from  war,  by  passions  kindled,  and  by  dogmas,  and  by  Cath- 
olic rebellion —  By  children  without  parents,  and  parents 
without  children,  priests  without  wives,  but  with  innumera- 
ble children —  The  cohesion  of  society  all  lost,  rum-selling 
Catholics  laughing  at  ghosts  of  dead  victims —  The  rivers  of 
blood  still  flowing  on,  and  sending  forth  from  bog,  fen,  and 
pit,  corruption  and  horrid  stench —  The  great  universe  itself, 
with  glorious  suns,  the  source  of  all  light,  the  stars  that  shine, 
the  orbs  that  roll,  the  world  of  thy  beneficence,  all  wrapt  in 
fire,  and  in  fury  hurled  to  desolation  and  to  ruin  !  The  stars 
now  are  falling !  From  the  moon  comes  showers  of  blood  ! 
All  emblems  of  virtue  and  virtuous  men  are  now  destrf)yed, 
and  life  no  more  is  worth  possessing.  The  whole  creation 
now  stands  aghast  !  All  loveliness,  all  beauty,  all  innocence, 
and  infancy  lie  crushed  and  bleeding  !  The  human  heart,  the 
richest  temple  by  Providence  created,  now  sends  forth  groans 
of  never  dying  misery.  The  sun  is  now  a  great  blank  in  hea- 
ven, and  chaos  and  darkness  reign  ! 

When  all  these  shall  come,  then,  but  not  till  then,  shall  de- 
votion cease  to  burn  on  the  altar  of  the  heart.  But  thy  love, 
O  my  Creator,  will  still  beam  and  glow  and  shine  on  all,  said 
i\[r.  E. 

]\Ir.  E.,  is  that  from  Cowper,  or  is  it  stuff  that  you  make 
up  as  you  go  along  ?  asked  James. 

I  have  been  dreaming  stuff";  did  I  speak  loud?  I  do  be- 
lieve I  have  lost  my  senses,  said  Mr.  E. 

To  be  sure  you  did  speak  loud  ;  I  did  not  understand  a 
word  of  it;  I  was  thinking  of  the  party  which  Mrs.  Phelps 
will  give  in  her  new  house  that  we  are  now'  approaching.  Are 
you  a  poet  ?  asked  James. 

What  do  you  call  a  poet  ?  asked  Mr.  E. 

A  man  is  a  poet  when  he  talks    a   language   which  nobody 


DEsroTiSM.  305 

understauds,  and  if  he  were  to  be  understood  there  would  be 
no  sense  in  it,  said  James. 

I  must  admit  that  my  mind  is  slightly  disordered,  said 
Mr.  E. 

I  advise  you  to  call  on  Dr.  Bogert,  and  explain  your  case; 
I  do  not  think  he  will  shave  your  head,  as  he  is  going  to  serve 
the  abolitionists  :  he  says  all  who  have  but  one  idea  in  their 
head  are  crazy.  Spiritualists,  abolitionists,  and  cold  water 
advocates,  are  men  of  one  idea  only,  and  are  regarded  by 
him  as  crazy. 

Your  eftbrts  in  the  cause  of  temperance  will,  I  fear,  be 
your  death,  if  you  cannot  elect  temperance  aldermen  ;  and 
that  can  never  be  done  while  six  thousand  storekeepers  have 
more  money  than  temperance  men,  said  James,  as  they  ended 
their  moonlight  rambles. 

]\Ir.  Cope  often  passed  weeks  at  New  Haven.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Putnam  were  delighted  with  his  graceful  manners,  his 
splendid  talents,  and  his  vast  resources  for  conversation.  He 
was  a  constant  visiter  of  the  highly  literary  circle  of  that 
delightful  city.  He  was  never  idle ;  the  library  was  his  con- 
stant resort.  One  evening  he  was  alone  with  Mrs.  Put- 
nam. 

Mrs.  Putnam,  you  cannot  be  unacquainted  with  the  cir- 
cumstances under  which  I  have  visited  your  house  so  often  ; 
to  you  is  known  the  attachment  which  exists  between  Emma 
and  myself.  We  have  exchanged  our  vows,  and  wait  only 
for  your  approval.  I  need  not  tell  you  how  happy  I  shall 
be  to  receive  it.  I  have  seen  no  other,  I  can  see  no  other 
person  whom  I  can  love ;  I  could  not  live  without  her,  said 
James. 

Our  Emma  is  young,  and  she  is  our  pride.  Around  eve- 
ry tendril  of  our  heart  are  woven  affections  as  strong  as  life 
itself;  we  cannot  live,  we  cannot  die,  without  her   presence. 


306  DESPOTISM. 

Will  3'ou  be  to  Emma  a  true  and  affectionate  friend  as  long 
as  life  lasts  ?  asked  Mrs.  Putnam. 

I  will,  said  .Tames. 

'We  resign  her  to  you.  May  life  in  the  affections  of  each 
other  be  long  and  happy,  here  and  hereafter,  saids  Mrs.  Put- 
nam. 

She  shall  not  live  long  !  was  uttered  by  an  invisible  voice. 


507 


DESPOTISM. 


0  H  A  P  T  E  E   X. 

THE    WEDDING. 

The  beauteous  maid,  who  bids  the  world  adieu, 
Oft  of  that  world  will  snatch  a  fond  review  ; 
Oft  at  the  shrine  neglect  her  beads,  to  trace 
Some  social  scene,  some  dear,  familiar  face  : 
And  ere,  with  iron  tongue,  the  vesper-bell 
Bursts  through  the  cypress-walk,  the  convent-cell, 
Oft  will  her  warm  and  wayward  heart  revive, 
To  love  and  joy  still  tremblingly  alive ; 
The  whisper'd  vow,  the  chaste  caress  prolong, 
Weave  the  light  dance  and  swell  the  choral  song  ; 
With  rapt  ear  drinli  the  enchanting  serenade, 
And,  as  it  melts  along  the  moonlight-glade, 
To  each  soft  note  return  as  soft  a  sigh. 
And  bless  the  youth  that  bids  her  slumbers  fly. 

KoGERS. 

Emma,  we  shall  depend  on  your  being  married  at  our  house. 
You  know  that  our  circle  is  large,  and  will  be  better  accom- 
modated  in   our   house   than  they  can   be  in  your  father's. 

Your  parents,  I  am  sure,  will  indulge  us  in  so  reasonable  a 
request.  We  have  had  no  party  in  our  new  house,  and  it  is 
time  that  we  invited  our  friends,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Before  I  accept  your  kind  offer  I  must  write  to  my  parents 
— I  would  not  oppose  them  in  a  measure  so  interesting  to 
their  feelings,  said  Emma. 

You  are  perfectly  right;  in  a  matter  of  so  much  importance 
you  should  not  think  of  deciding  without  consulting  them.     I 


303  DESPOTISM. 

hope  you  will  write  immediately,  that  nothing  may  be  left  un- 
decided, said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

The  same  evening  Emma  sent  the  following  letter  to  New 
Haven : 

New  York,  —  Fifth  Avenue. 
My  dear  Parents- 
Aunt  Phelps  has  this  day  kindly  offered  me  a  wedding  at 
her  house.  I  have  not  accepted  her  offer,  nor  shall  I  think 
of  accepting  it  till  I  hear  from  you.  She  says  that  her  house 
will  accommodate  our  large  circle  better  than  ours.  This  we 
are  all  aware  is  the  case.  I  am  sensible  of  the  strong  desire 
you  both  must  feel  to  have  your  daughter  married  at  home, 
and  I  shall  not  so  far  depart  from  the  duty  that  I  owe  you, 
as  to  offer  a  single  argument  on  the  other  side.  Perhaps  I 
may  be  allowed  to  say,  that  if  all  things  were  favorable,  it 
would  be  agreeable  to  my  feelings  to  be  married  in  the  Fifth 
Avenue  of  this  splendid  city.  I  will  not  deny  to  you,  my 
dear  parents,  that  I  have  a  little  pride  on  this  occasion.  James 
is  a  member  of  one  of  the  most  wealthy  and  respectable  fami- 
lies in  Philadelphia,  and  he  has  taken  a  house  in  the  Fifth 
Avenue,  and  here  we  hope  to  pass  a  long  life  of  happiness. 
Very  many  of  the  residents  of  this  Avenue  I  may  never  meet, 
if  an  introduction  does  not  come  through  aunt  Phelps.  The 
evening  of  our  wedding  would  seem  to  be  a  suitable  time  for 
this  introduction. 

At  this  moment,  my  dear  parents,  when  I  am  about  to  bow 
at  a  new  altar,  it  is  peculiarly  appropriate  for  me  to  allude  to 
that  home  which  to  me  has  been  one  of  such  unalloyed  happi- 
ness. The  education  that  you  have  given  me,  your  unwearied 
care  in  watching  over  my  infancy  and  my  later  years ;  those 
rich  examples  set  me  in  your  own  lives — but  beyond  every 
thing  else,  that  strictly  religious  education  that  you  have  be- 


DESPOTISM.  309 

stowed  on  me — all  united  have  created  an  obligation  that  I 
am  entirely  unable  to  repay.  A  lifetime  devoted  to  a  discharge 
of  those  obligations  is  all  that  I  can  promise  !  This  I  do 
promise  !  The  aflfection  that  you  have  lavished  on  me,  the 
numerous  omissions  on  my  own  part  that  now  constantly  press 
on  my  mind,  fill  me  with  the  deepest  appreciation  of  your 
goodness. 

You  will,  I  hope,  forgive  me  for  all  my  wayward  acts  that 
now  at  times  oppress  my  heart.  In  all  the  gay  scenes  of  life 
through  which  I  have  passed,  I  have  never  failed  to  bow  be- 
fore the  altar  and  supplicate  for  your  happiness.  If  a  vain 
thought,  a  hasty  word,  an  unkind  rebuke  escaped  me,  I  have 
asked  forgiveness  of  Him  who  was  tempted  as  we  are  tempt- 
ed. The  spirit  of  thankfulness,  that  daily  incense  of  the  heart, 
has  always  risen  from  the  family  altar ;  and  while  life  lasts,  no 
engagement,  no  intrusion,  no  temptation  shall  ever  interfere 
with  that  duty.  Whatever  your  decision  in  this  case  may  be, 
be  assured  that  I  will  cheerfully  comply.  I  am  soon  to  leave 
a  home  of  more  than  usual  attraction,  to  join  at  a  new  altar 
one  whom  I  believe  to  be  worthy  of  my  affection.  I  shall 
give  to  him  a  sincere  heart,  as  warm  as  I  believe  his  to  be. — 
That  he  loves  me,  I  feel  assured ;  that  he  shall  love  me  no 
less,  shall  be  my  constant  care.  You  have  seen  him  often, 
and  know  his  worth. 

His  talents  are  of  the  highest  order,  he  has  received  a  reli- 
gious education,  and  what  blessmgs  have  I  to  ask  of  Provi- 
dence that  have  not  been  showered  on  me  ?  Isabella,  dear 
Isabella,  she  will  be  to  you  an  affectionate  daughter  when 
I  am  far  from  you.  Love  her,  I  know  you  will — cherish  her 
for  my  sake;  lead  her  through  the  pleasant  paths  of  educa- 
tion and  of  virtue — store  her  mind,  improve  her  heart,  and 
she  will  pay  back  the  rich  debt  of  affection. 

I  cannot  say  all  that  now  presses  on  this  heart,  but  whether 


310  DESPOTISM. 

in  the  retirement  of  domestic  life,  at  my  own  house,  or  at  some 
romantic  spot  in  our  own  country,  or  in  the  consecrated  tem- 
ples of  Europe,  I  will  ever  turn  my  thoughts  to  you. 

My  life,  my  whole  life  to  you  I  owe — in  happiness  each 
day  my  heart  to  you  shall  flow.  While  life  shall  last,  accept 
the  offering  that  now  and  always  I  will  give  to  you. 

Emma. 

The  next  mail  brought  the  following  letter : 

New  Haven,  Conn. 
Dear  Daughter — 

Your  very  kind  letter  is  received.  We  wish  to  acknow- 
ledge our  great  obligations  to  your  uncle  and  aunt  for  their 
very  kind  offer  of  giving  you  a  wedding  at  their  house.  We 
have  given  the  subject  a  mature  consideration,  and  we  now 
offer  you  our  entire  concurrence  in  any  arrangement  that  you 
may  make  with  your  aunt  for  your  wedding.  We  should  bo 
delighted  to  have  you  married  at  home,  but  you  have  of- 
fered sufficient  reason  for  your  choice. 

We  are  pleased  with  your  very  affectionate  letter,  and  had 
our  claims  on  you  been  greater  than  they  are,  we  should 
have  felt  that  you  had  amply  discharged  the  debt. 

You  ask  what  Providence  could  have  bestowed  that  you 
have  not  received  ? 

In  this  line  there  is  a  sentiment  that  we  all  feel  to  be  just, 
and  from  it  flows  an  obligation  which  it  will  take  a  lifetime  to 
discharge.  You  have  been  a  recipient  of  all  the  blessings, 
and  we  know  you  will  ever  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  the 
Author  of  them  all. 

The  life  that  you  are  about  to  commence,  is  the  only  life 
of  happiness.  ^latrimony  was  made  to  adorn  the  world  ;  it 
is  the  purifier  and  sanctifier  of  lives  otherwise  less  virtuous 
and  less  pure.  May  it  be  to  you  the  rich  legacy  that  virtue 
pays  to  merit. 


DESPOTISM.  311 

Under  its  guidance  may  your  life  be  as  pure  as  your  youth 
has  been.  New  scenes  will  open  to  you  ;  new  responsibilities 
must  be  assumed.  You  must  discuss  fearlessly  all  the  great 
movements  of  the  day.  One  great  object  must  engross  all 
other  purposes  of  life.  It  is  to  lead,  and  elevate,  and  dignify 
the  whole  family  of  man. 

Life  is  a  checkered  scene.  To  none  is  given  perfect  happi- 
ness. You  may  have  dark  hours,  and  you  must  meet  them; 
by  them  we  are  disciplined  for  another  and  purer  life.  You 
will,  I  hope,  find  tlowers  in  your  path.  Perfume  I  hope 
will  rise;  spring  will  invite  you  forth  to  new  enjoyments  — 
autumn  will  yield  rich  fruits — in  winter  the  fireside  will  bring 
the  rich  culture  of  the  mind  and  heart.  Your  capacities  for 
enjoyment  are  enlarged  by  the  culture  that  your  mind  has  re- 
ceived. There  will  be  claims  on  you  that  you  cannot  neglect. 
The  pains  of  sickness  and  sorrow  that  may  surround  you,  you 
must  assuage.  As  a  member  of  the  great  family,  you  must 
be  ever  ready  to  sustain  your  part  of  its  duties  and  its  respon- 
sibilities. In  the  great  mission  of  life  to  place  deep  in  the  soil 
the  seeds  of  virtue,  the  demand  upon  each  member  is  equal  to 
tlie  capacity  with  which  he  is  endowed. 

The  cultivated  fields,  the  perfumed  gardens,  the  rich  fruits 
of  life  by  you  enjoyed,  were  placed  around  you  by  the  care  of 
others.  In  your  turn  you  must  gather  around  home  and 
around  society,  the  sweet  influences  that  shall  adorn  the  lives 
of  those  who  come  after  you  and  lead  them  upward.  If  I 
liLive  said  too  much,  it  is  because  I  have  telt  too  deeply  the 
responsibilities  of  a  parent.  Isabella  is  more  and  more  dear 
to  us.     She  shall  join  you  in  season. 

Affectionately,  Your  Parents. 

The  day  for  the  weddmg  was  fixed,  and  was  placed  some 
lime  in  advance,  to  allow  time  for  extensive  preparations. 
Tlie  cards  were  distributed.     A   laroe  number  were  sent  to 


312  DESPOTISM. 

Boston,  Albany,  Philadelphia,  "Washington,  and  New  Haven. 
A  wedding  is  always  a  matter  of  interest,  but  there  were  cer- 
tain circumstances  that  gave  this  unusual  interest. 

Isabella  arrived  from  New  Haven, 

Tiffany  &  Co.,  Ball,  Black  &  Co.,  Tenney,  Stewart,  Genin, 
Beck,  Lord  &  Taylor  were  unusually  busy. 

The  inquiries  in  the  upper  circles  were,  Have  you  received 
an  invitation  to  the  wedding  party  at  Mrs.  Phelps  ?  Those 
wtio  were  compelled  to  say  no,  were  in  deep  affliction.  How 
mortifying  that  I  did  not  get  an  invitation  !  My  husband  is 
worth  one  million  of  dollars !  Mr.  Beach  says  so,  and  his 
authority  is  unerring,  said  Mrs.  Smith. 

I  declare,  I  mean  my  husband  shall  buy  a  house  in  the 
Fifth  Avenue  I  I  will  not  live  in  Union  Square,  said  Mrs. 
Jones. 

Are  there  any  houses  for  sale  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  ?  asked 
Ikfrs   Coles. 

Aty  husband  is  building  a  number,  said  Mrs.  Astor. 

Mr.  Wolff  offers  his  for  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  said 
Mrs.  Townsend. 

I  wish  Mr.  Waddell  would  sell  his,  it  is  the  most  perfect 
gem  in  the  city,  said  Mrs.  Bartlett. 

My  husband  will  sell  his  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars,  said  Mrs.  Townsend. 

There  are  seven  hundred  cards  distributed,  and  I  know 
hundreds  who  are  disappointed,  said  Mrs.  Taylor. 

When  you  have  another  party,  shall  you  give  them  alcohol 
or  coffee  ?  asked  Mrs.  Parker. 

I  have  had  enough  of  alcohol  atone  party,  says  Mrs.  S . 

Did  you  know  that  there  was  an  awful  time  at  Mr.  G 's 

party  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cooley. 

I  heard  that  a  company  of  young  men  have  discarded  all 
decency,  and  desecrate  every  parlor  to  which  they  obtain  act 
cess,  said  Mrs.  Parker. 


DESPOTISM.  313 

How  many  can  Mrs.  Phelps  entertain  in  her  large  house  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

Eight  hundred,  probably,  by  throwing  all  the  rooms  into 
one,  said  Mrs.  Pennyraan. 

I  know  a  great  many  who  have  not  received  cards,  but  I 
have  muie,  said  Mrs.  Vanderpooi. 

I  know  that  Mrs.  Phelps  can  have  every  person  to  whom 
she  may  please  to  send  cards,  said  Mrs.  Lawrence. 

You  do  not  think  Mrs.  Phelps  would  send  cards  to  any 
person  with  whom  she  is  not  personally  acquainted  ?  She 
stands  too  high  for  that !  It  may  be  done  in  some  streets, 
but  not  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  said  Mrs.  Carnes. 

I  consider  Mrs.  Phelps  the  most  accomplished  lady  in  my 
circle  of  friends  ;  and  any  person  whom  you  meet  at  her  house, 
you  may  be  pleased  to  give  a  nod  of  recognition  from  your 
coach,  said  Mrs.  McElrath. 

I  agree  with  you — many  of  my  pleasantest  friendships  were 
formed  at  her  house,  said  Mrs.  Van  Dusen. 

I  do  not  believe  that  Mr.  Phelps  is  worth  more  than  Mr. 
Astor,  Mr.  Whitney,  Mr.  Stewart,  or  Mr.  Wetmore  ;  do  you  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Randal. 

How  much  are  they  worth  ?  asked  Mrs.  Wheeler. 

So  many  millions  that  you  cannot  count  them,  said  Mrs. 
Carnes. 

How  do  you  know  when  you  have  made  all  your  calls  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  keep  a  ledger,  and  enter  the  name  of  all  my  visitors,  said 
Mrs.  Murray. 

If  a  lady  should  call  on  you  whose  name  had  not  been  reg- 
ularly entered,  what  should  you  do  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  should  certainly  deny  myself  No  gentleman  or  lady  can 
call  on  me,  or  any  person  with  whom  I  visit  in  the  Fifth  Ave- 
nue, without  their  names  are  on  my  books,  said  Mrs.  jVIurray. 

Thompson    was    busy — Taylor   was   busy — but    Wagner 

14 


314  DESPOTISM. 

seemed  the  popular  man.  He  rides  in  his  own  coach,  said 
Mrs.  Waldron. 

The  night  arrived.     Brown  was  in  his  place. 

The  wedding  was  to  be  at  eight  o'clock,  and  the  company 
were  invited  at  nine. 

A  voice  catne  from  Brown. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  will  you  walk  into  the  circular  room  ? 

The  rush  was  great.  The  bride's  trousseau  was  displayed, 
in  dazzling  beauty  !  No  description  will  be  attempted,  for 
none  could  do  it  justice.  The  gold  set  was  the  most  striking 
object. 

Mi*.  Tiffany  has  certainly  gained  laurels,  said  Mrs.  Bogert. 

The  necklace,  the  bracelets,  the  watches,  the  pins,  the  sil- 
ver, the  indescribable  articles  would  astonish  any  person  not 
familiar  with  the  most  successful  results  of  the  fine  arts. 

The  company  returned  to  the  lower  rooms.  The  whole  of 
the  lower  floor  was  by  some  contrivance  of  folding  and  sliding 
doors  thrown  into  one  immense  room.  "When  lighted,  the 
effect  was  beautiful !  By  an  ingenious  arrangement  of  the 
decorator,  one  end  of  this  immense  floor — we  cannot  call  it  a 
room — was  a  gorgeous  India  lent.  This  tent  was  constructed 
of  rich  satin.  On  each  side  was  a  slight  lattice,  and  over  this 
were  arranged  thousands  of  the  most  beautiful  japonicas,  work- 
ed into  a  thousand  fancy  forms  of  beauty  by  the  hand  of 
taste.  Mrs.  Phelps  had  been  v^-eeks  selecting  and  comparing 
colored  material,  to  be  interlaced  and  festooned  around  the 
pillars  and  columns,  and  the  whole  was  a  tasteful  palace. 

Is  this  all  real,  or  is  it  some  illusion  ?  asked  Mr.  Bradish. 

Of  all  the  displays  of  taste  and  of  scenic  effect,  this  is  the 
most  successful  effort  that  I  ever  saw,  or  could  possibly  have 
imagined,  said  Mrs.  Wood. 

In  all  the  parties  that  I  have  ever  attended,  I  have  never 
seen  any  house  so  elegantly  decorated  as  this,  said  jNIrs.  Varian. 

Mrs.  Phelps  was  as  much  at  ease  as  if  she  had  been  enter? 


DESPOTISM.  315 

taining  half  a  dozen  of  her  most  intimate  friends,  and  she 
placed  all  her  company  equally  at  ease. 

I  see  a  very  handsome  young  lady  now  standing  near  Em- 
ma.    What  is  her  name  ?  asked  Mr.  Adriance. 

That  is  Isabella,  the  adopted  sister  of  Emma,  said  Mrs. 
Beekman,  and  near  her  is  Mrs.  Putnam,  the  mother.  How 
very  young  she  is  ! 

Eight  o'clock  arrived.     Mr.  Cox  came  into  the  room. 

Emma  was  dressed  in  lace,  and  a  lace  veil  reached  nearly 
to  the  floor.  Isabella  and  the  bridesmaids  were  also  dressed 
in  lace.  Neither  had  a  single  article  of  jewelry.  Emma  had 
a  white  rose  in  her  hair.  James  was  animated — Emma  rather 
sedate. 

James,  will  you  come  to  New  Haven  to  live  ?  asked  Isabella. 

I  shall  certainly  be  at  New  Haven  very  often,  said  James. 

But  I  want  you  and  sister  Emma  to  live  at  New  Haven 
said  Isabella. 

They  all  took  their  places  without  efibrt.  The  tableau  was 
perfectly  beautiful,  and  was  never  surpassed.  Wealth  and 
taste  can  accomplish  great  results.  Those  who  were  not  pre- 
sent may  never  witness  an  equal  display.  Those  who  saw  it 
will  ever  recur  to  it  with  delight. 

Emma,  always  beautiful,  was  now  more  beautiful  than 
ever.  Isabella  was  thought  by  some  to  surpass  Emma.  To 
an  elegant  form,  James  added  the  ease  and  grace  of  tho  most 
perfect  gentleman.     He  was  Nature's  nobleman. 

Wilt  thou  have  Emma  to  be  thy  wedded  wife  ?  asked  Mr. 
Cox. 

I  will,  was  the  response. 

Wilt  thou  have  James  to  be  thy  wedded  husband  ? 

I  will,  was  the  sweet  response. 

Who  giveth  this  woman  to  be  married  to  this  man  ? 

I  do,  was  the  response. 


31G  DESPOTISM. 

With  this  ring  I  thee  wed,  and  with  all  my  worldly  goods 
I  thee  endow. 

In  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  amen  ! 
Their  numerous  friends  were  eacl"!  anxious  to  be  the  first  to 
congratulate  them ;  and   a  more  lovely  scene  was  never  wit- 
nessed. 

Soon  after  the  ceremony  the  company  arrived,  few  at  first, 
but  more  rapidly  as  the  evening  advanced.  The  name  of 
each  person  was  announced  by  one  of  the  six  ushers,  and  after 
exchanging  short  congratulations,  passed  to  the  right.  The 
crowd  became  excessive.  The  display  of  beauty,  taste  and 
fashion,  talent,  dress,  every  thing  that  can  give  interest  to 
large  assemblies,  was  concentrated  here. 

Mrs.  Phelps  was  every  where.  She  moved  with  the  grace 
of  a  queen,  butvdth  the  charm  of  familiar  friendship. 

Mrs.  Phelps,  I  have  seen  many  weddings,  but  never  one  so 
interesting  as  this.  The  age,  the  beauty,  the  rich  display,  the 
tent,  the  whole  collectively,  is  perfectly  magnificent,  said 
Mrs.  Brown  of  Philadelphia. 

Mrs.  Phelps,  I  am  sure  you  must  have  suggested  these 
splendid  decorations.  No  other  person  could  have  produced 
such  an  astonishing  effect,  said  Mrs.  Lawrence  of  Boston. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  shall  depend  on  an  early  visit  from  you.  Mrs. 
Phelps,  you  must  recollect  that  you  promised  to  visit  us  with 
the  bridal  party,  said  Mrs.  Brown. 

What  is  the  name  of  that  truly  beautiful  girl  near  your  hus- 
band ?  aslved  Mrs.  Eush  of  Philadelphia. 

That  is  Miss  Maxwell,  the  most  queenly  lady  in  the  city, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Do  you  see  those  two  lovely  girls  near  the  corner  of  the 

room  ?     They  are  the  Misses  L ,  and  are  not  surj^assed 

in  beauty  and  accomplishments  by  any  ladies  in  the  city,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mr,  Pentz  and  Mr.  Smith,  men  of  great  wealth,  are  in  con- 


DESPOTISM.  317 

versation,  and  on  their  left  is  Mr.  Lenox.  Mr.  Strong  and 
Mr.  Underhill  are  now  approaching  us.  Mr.  Jones  and  Mr. 
Cabot  are  near  the  window  in  conversation  with  Mr.  Comp- 
ton.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  HoflFman  are  walking  on  the  other  side  of 
the  room.  Mr.  Nesmith,  the  rich  ship  owner,  is  in  conversa- 
tion with  Mr.  Grinnell.  Near  him  is  Mr.  Mortimer,  who  has 
acquired  near  half  a  milUon  by  his  genius.  Commodore 
Stockton  has  just  entered  the  room.  The  Americans  should 
nominate  him  for  President — no  man  is  more  popular.  Mr. 
Dabny,  the  partner  of  Duncan  and  Sherman,  is  now  in  con- 
versation. There  is  not  a  lady  in  the  whole  circle  of  my  ac- 
quaintance whom  I  have  not  met  here  to-night. 

You  must  have  been  fortunate  to  receive   no  regrets,  said 
Mr.  Schermerhorn. 

The  doors  of  the  refreshment-rooms  were  thrown  open  !     A 
scene  of  magnificence  was  displayed  ! 

Was  this  ever  equalled  ? — it   could   never   have  been  sur- 
passed, said  Mr.  Wolflf. 

In  the  centre  of  the  table  was  a  model  of  the  triumphal  arch 
at  Eome.     On  each  side  was  a  Grecian  temple.     The  Panthe- 
on at  Eome  was  another  ornament. 

Miss  Maxwell,  have  you  ever  attended   a   wedding  party, 
where  every  thing  was  as  brilliant  ?  asked  Miss  Cook. 

Miss  Cope,  I  shall  depend  on  an  early  visit  from  you  and 
your  friends,  at  our  house  in  Boston,  said  Mr.  Lawrence. 

Who  is  that  beautiful  married  lady  with  the  gold  Bandeau  ? 
asked  Mr.  Astor. 

That  is  Mrs.  Cook,  one  of  our  richest  ladies.     Is  she  not 
very  handsome  ?  asked  Mr.  Morgan. 

Is  ]\riss  Sergeant  of  Philadelphia  in  the  room?  asked  Mrs. 
Stone. 

She  is  walking  with  a  gentleman  on  the  other  side  of  the 
room.  She  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  ladies  in  the  room 
said  Mr.  Roberts. 


318  DESPOTISM. 

Near  Miss  Sergeant  are  now  standing  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carter, 
and  next  them  Mr.  Tallmadge.  In  front  of  them  are  Mr.  and 
^[rs.  Taylor.  He  is  worth  one  or  two  millions.  Next  him  is 
Alderman  Ely.  Aidernian  Tucker  and  lady  are  on  the  right. 
Aldermen  Briggs  and  Baird  are  arm  in  arm.  Briggs  is  the 
man  for  the  time,  and  will  make  a  good  Governor,  said  Mr. 
Shaffer. 

Huggs  says  he  has  bright  memories  of  being  born  in  old 
Ireland,  but  if  Matsell  was  born  there  he  does  not  remember 
it.  "Who  is  there  but  Hugors  who  does  remember  beino-  born 
in  Ireland  ?  Huggs  is  undoubtedly  the  first  man  who  ever 
made  the  assertion.  Four  or  five  places  claimed  Homer,  but 
Huggs  and  Matsell  are  in  great  difficulty  to  find  one  place  to 
own  them,  said  Alderman  Tucker. 

The  tall  and  elegant  lady  approaching  us  is  Miss  M , 

who  is  regarded  by  many  as  the  handsomest  lady  in  the  city; 
she  is  soon  to  bow  at  the  matrimonial  altar. 

Near  Miss  M is  the  eminent  Peter  Cooper,  one  of  the 

most  wealthy  and  most  liberal  men  in  the  city.  He  has  been 
contending  for  more  education  and  more  virtue,  and  less  alco- 
hol and  better  pay  for  the  working  Americans.  For  years  he 
has  been  trying  to  elect  an  honest  board  of  aldermen,  but 
without  success.  He  is  an  American  nobleman,  and  infinitely 
above  the  titled  nobility  of  England.  The  splendid  institu- 
tion for  learning  that  he  has  bestowed  on  the  city  will  entitle 
him  to  the  thanks  of  every  man  who  values  the  best  institu- 
tions of  our  great  country.  It  is  to  such  men  and  such  insti- 
tutions that  philanthropists  must  look  for  the  elevation  of  the 
masses  in  virtue  and  happiness. 

On  a  recent  meeting  of  a  scientific  society,  Mr.  Cooper  gave 
the  sentiment  so  much  admired  by  all  who  heard  and  by  all 
who  have  read  it — "  One  God,  as  revealed  in  the  study  of 
science  and  in  the  deepest  investigations  of  learning  and  of 
truth." 


DESPOTISM.  319 

The  two  3'oung  men  in  Lho  centre  of  the  room  are  the 
Messrs.  Appletons  ;  they  are  our  most  wealthy  and  enterpris- 
ing publishers.  I  know  one  young  lady  by  her  reseinblant  e 
to  the  marble  bust  in  the  Crystal  Palace — it  is  Miss  Bill,  said 
Mr.  Douglas. 

Mrs.  Coles,  one  of  our  most  beautiful  ladies,  is  now  ap- 
proaching, said  Mrs.  Palmer. 

The  lady  with  the  purple  dress  is  Mrs.  Schermerhorn,  Do 
you  see  the  two  men  with  pencil  in  hand  ?  They  are  report- 
ers, and  will  tell  you  more  about  our  party  than  I  know, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

At  this  moment  the  whole  company  were  in  motion  ;  all 
were  conversing  with  friends,  and  pointing  out  some  distin- 
guished person  to  them. 

Ml'.  Cogswell  and  lady  have  just  entered  the  room,  said  Mr. 
Bill  to  Mayor  Wood. 

Mrs.  Phelps^s  hand  can  be  seen  in  the  decorations  of  the 
room,  and  in  every  thing  that  required  exquisite  taste,  said 
Mrs.  Bartlett. 

Mrs.  Lawrence,  I  cannot  introduce  you  to  all  my  company, 
but  I  shall  give  you  the  names  of  the  most  prominent  persons, 
and  shall  ask  my  friends  to  introduce  you  to  their  personal 
friends,  and  to  give  you  the  names  of  all.  On  the  other  side 
of  the  room  are  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reynolds,  and  near  them  the 
Messrs.  Smiths.  There  are  now  approaching  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Eichards,  and  near  them  are  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Astor.  In  front 
of  us  are  Judge  Betts  and  Judge  Emersoa.  The  Misses  P. 
are  among  our  most  beautiful  ladies,  and  near  them  you  will 
see  Miss  F.,  one  of  our  most  wealthy  girls.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Anderson  are  now  approaching  us;  on  their  right  is  Mrs.  T., 
whose  husband  is  one  of  our  richest  men,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mr.  Tileston,  a  few  weeks  since  delivered  a  short  but  beau- 
tiful eulogy  on  Mr.  George  Curtis,  late  President  of  the  Con- 
tinental Bank,  said  Mr.  Cary 


320 


DESPOTISHi. 


On  our  right  is  Mr.  Dwight,  who  with  his  friends  contem- 
plate founding  a  hospital  for  inebriates.  Would  he  not  do 
iriore  good  in  making  advocates  to  sound  temperance  laws  ? 
asked  Dr.  Tyng. 

Near  us  you  will  see  Judge  Eosevelt,  one  of  the  most  tal- 
tnted  men  to  be  found  on  any  Bench.  His  charge  in  the 
IJaker  trial  was  a  model  of  judicial  truth  and  justice.  Law- 
yers who  defend  all  the  villains  indiscriminately,  may  object 
to  Judge  Eosevelt's  honesty,  but  the  public  will  not.  There 
is  one  class  of  lawyers  who  estimate  their  own  eminence  by 
the  number  of  guilty  rogues  they  clear  from  justice ;  if  they 
placed  a  correct  estimate  on  public  sentiment,  they  would  not 
defend  men  who  are  notorious  as  murderers,  nor  men  who- 
are  notorious  as  unconvicted  judges.  The  verdict  of  the 
people  in  these  cases  is  above  the  verdict  attempted  to  be  ob- 
tained by  browbeating  our  most  talented  and  incorruptible 
judges.  Mr.  Choate  refused  to  defend  Dr.  Webster,  and  t-'et 
an  example  to  all  honest  lawyers.  The  lawyers  who  defended 
Baker,  and  a  certain  judge,  well  knew  that  all  the  parties- 
were  well  entitled  to  admission  to  the  Wkitehouse.  The  law- 
yers also  knew  that  it  money  is  to  buy  for  the  villains  a  sure^ 
exemption  from  justice,  the  city  will  always  be  filled  with  the 
vilest  beings  of  the  whole  country.  When  rogues  cannot  be 
convicted,  there  exists  a  worse  tyranny  than  can  be  found  in 
France  under  Napoleon,  or  in  Rome  under  the  Pope.  In  the 
most  corrupt  days  of  ancient  Kome,  justice  could  not  be  ob- 
tained, villains  had  more  money  than  honest  men.  If  Bakei" 
had  been  an  honest  and  poor  mechanic,  he  would  have  been 
tried  in  two  days,  and  sentenced  on  the  third.  A  fee  of  thou- 
t;ands  will  purchase  speeclies  of  nine  hours'  length,  and  a  dis- 
graceful insult  to  a  fearless  judge,  said  an  ex-Mayor. 

Do  you  see  the  venerable  gentleman  conversing  with  every 
lady  near  him  ?  His  name  is  Benedict,  and  he  is  respected  by 
all  who  know  him  ;  his  beard  would  elect  him  to  the  office  of 


DESPOTISM.  321 

fi  Jewish  Eabbi,  if  he  would  only  renounce  his  belief  in  the 
New  Testament. 

The  beautiful  lady  on  our  left  is  Mrs.  Comens,  the  pro- 
jector of  the  first  calico  bull,  by  the  assistance  of  which  so 
many  were  relieved  from  suffering,  said  Mrs.  Allen. 

The  young  man  with  his  collar  turned  down  is  Dr.  Nash,  a 
young  physician  of  great  talents,  recently  returned  from  three 
years'  residence  in  Europe.  In  conversation  with  him  is  Dr. 
Eice,  a  physician  who  stands  at  the  head  of  his  profes.-<ion.  In 
front  is  ]\Lr.  Homans,  the  editor  of  the  Bankers'  Magazine, 
which  is  found  in  the  office  of  every  banker  and  merchant  in 
the  whole  country.  There  is  not  a  man  in  the  city  more  emi- 
nent for  his  financial  knowledge  ;  he  should  be  at  the  head  of 
one  of  our  largest  money  institutions.  Pie  has  for  years 
written  the  articles  upon  finance  in  the  Courier  and  Enquirer, 
which  have  caused  so  many  comments  in  the  London  Times, 
and  other  European  papers,  said  Mr.  Thompson. 

Mrs.  Rowland  has  just  entered  the  room;  as  the  principal 
of  a  school  for  young  ladies,  she  stands  at  the  head  of  her 
profestiion,  said  Mr.  Willis. 

Mr.  Boorman,  one  of  our  richest  merchants,  is  in  the  cen- 
tre of  the  room  ;  for  years  he  was  the  President  of  the  Hud- 
son River  Railroad  Company,  and  conducted  its  complicated 
business  with  eminent  talents.  I  hope  he  will  succeed  in 
opening  Albany  street,  and  all  other  streets  which  are  too 
narrow  to  accommodate  the  immense  trade  of  this  city.  Gov- 
ernor Button  of  Connecticut  is  in  front ;  his  efforts  in  the 
cause  of  temperance  have  obtained  for  him  the  respect  of  all 
who  know  him.  Temperance  men  are  all  Americans,  said 
Mayor  Hall. 

Governor  Townsend,  Draper,  Dugro,  Tieman,  Drake, 
Henry,  Taylor,  and  West,  are  in  conversation.  If  any  of 
them  have  omitted  .to  declare  their  intentions  of  joining  the 
Americans,  they  will  never  again  rejoice  in  their  present  title 


322  DESPOTISM. 

of  nobility.  Mr.  Eulston  and  Mr.  Morgan  are  in  front ;  their 
banking  house  in  San  Franrisco  is  the  most  wealthy  institu- 
tion in  that  city.  Mr.  Whitlock  is  now  approaching;  by  iiis 
genius  and  his  integrity  he  has  acquired  in  a  few  years  an  im- 
mense fortune.  He  drives  his  four  horses,  and  maintains  a 
style  that  peculiarly  belongs  to  the  New  York  merchants, 
said  Mr.  Grinnell. 

Near  him  is  Governor  Price  of  New  Jersey,  who  contem- 
plates purchasing  his  State  for  a  farm ;  he  will  get  it  cheap, 
if  all  their  stores  are  to  be  open  to  the  Catholics  en  Sun- 
day, said  Senator  Wright. 

The  gentleman  with  hirge  gray  whiskers  is  General  Webb, 
an  able  editor.  When  in  England  he  was  received  in  the 
liighest  circles,  and  by  his  talents  and  his  manners,  added  to 
the  respect  everywhere  accorded  to  our  leading  editors.  He 
is  now  explaining  his  letter  on  which  Mr.  Cass  made  some  se- 
vere remarks  in  the  Senate,  March  3,   1856. 

The  gentleman  now  facing  us  is  G.  Halleck,  editor  and 
proprietor  of  the  Journal  of  Commerce.  That  paper  was  ori- 
ginally started  by  Arthur  Tappan,  a  man  of  sterling  integrity, 
and  it  has  obtained  a  high  character  as  an  honest  and  fear- 
less advocate  of  good  morals,  good  government,  and  Ameri- 
can sentiments.  Near  Mr.  Halleck  is  Dr.  Cox,  who  has  al- 
ways raised  his  voice  against  Popes  and  their  abominations, 
said  Mr.  Osgood. 

Do  you  see  the  venerable  man  conversing  with  Mr.  Phelps  ? 
He  is  the  celebrated  Washington  Irving.  He  is  giving  a 
sketch  of  the  life  of  Herman  Knickerbocker,  recently  deceased 
at  the  atie  of  seventy-five  years.  He  was  the  original  of  Ir- 
ving's  Knickerbocker  family,  now  multiplied  indefinitely,  and 
has  become  the  type  of  all  which  is  venerable  in  the  estima- 
tion of  New  Yorkers.  He  held  for  a  tune  the  office  of  Coun- 
ty Judge,  and  from  1810  to  1813  represented  his  district  in 
Congress.     Judge  Knickerbocker  was  a  man  of  true  wit,  and 


DESPOTISM.  323 

rie\er  failed  of  setting:  the  table  in  Ji  roar  of  laughter.  As  a 
politician,  he  was  a  Washington  Federalist  in  early  life,  and 
a  Jackson  democrat  till  the  defeat  of  Van  Buren  in  1840. — 
There  are  standing  near  each  other  a  circle  of  forty  persons, 
whose  united  wealth  is  one  hundred  millions  of  dollars. — 
Their  names  are  Astor,  Whitney,  Stewart,  Tileston,  Taylor, 
Fish,  Spofford,  Duncan,  Brown,  Howland,  Boorman,  Aspin- 
wall,  Morgan,  Dodge,  R.  W.  Wood,  Vanderbilt,  Lowe,  De- 
lano, Wetmore,  Cooley,  McElrath,  Eoberts,  Cooper,  Cutting, 
Lenox,  Thompson,  Kingsland,  Grinnell,  Eogers,  Allsop,  Bre- 
voort,  Bronson,  Cary,  Cushraan,  Dickie,  Deforest,  Furness, 
Haggerty  and  Hunt,  said  Mr.  Carpenter. 

Do  you  see  that  gentleman  in  conversation  with  j\[r.  Bar- 
ker ?  His  name  is  Ketchum,  the  eminent  jurist,  who  was  not 
appointed  a  judge  by  Governor  Seward,  for  the  reason  that 
Bishop  Hughes  would  not  confirm  him  !  Mr,  Ivetcham  did 
not  approve  of  educating  a  class  of  men  on  purpose  to  oppose 
our  laws,  and  paying  the  bills  ourselves.  The  Know  Nothings 
will  make  a  note  of  this.  The  tall  gentleman  with  black  hair 
is  Mr.  Gifford,  who  is  always  employed  in  the  large  patent 
suits,  and  always  on  the  v/inning  side.  He  saved  half  a  mil- 
tion  for  Professor  Morse.  Mr.  Ogden  is  conversing  with  Mr. 
Wetmore.  Ho  is  one  of  our  richest  merchants,  and  in  his 
correspondence  with  Mr.  ^larcy  he  has  convinced  the  mer- 
chants that  Mr.  Marcy  is  no  friend  of  theirs.  The  letter 
written  by  IMarcy  to  !Mr.  Ogden  was  an  impeachment  of  the 
integrity  of  half  the  merchants  in  the  city,  Mr.  Marcy  has 
shown  some  desire  to  be  culled  a  Know  Nothing,  but  the  true 
Know  Nothing  regards  the  merchants  of  the  country  as  a 
class  of  men  infinitely  above  the  lawyers,  and  they  look 
with  profound  contempt  on  the  present  office-holders  of  the 
country,  said  Mr.  Griswold. 

Mr.  Barker  and  his  American  party  have  long  been  work- 
ing for  their  country,  in  opposition  to  foreigners,   pauperism. 


324  DESPOTISM. 

and  vice.  They  are  doing  all  in  their  power  to  check  emigra- 
tion, and  to  raise  the  laboring  classes  to  respectability,  said 
Alderman  Briggs. 

There  are  two  hundred  persons  in  this  room  whose  average 
■wealth  is  three  hundred  thousand   dollars,  said  Mr.  Shannon. 

Do  you  see  the  Bayard  family  ?  The  lovely  woman  with 
the  daughter  by  her  side,  and  the  interesting  boy  near  his 
father  ;  they  are  the  attraction  of  a  large  circle.  Near  them 
are  Mr.  Cockcroft  and  lady,  said  Mr.  Bertine. 

On  the  left  is  Miss  Bunn  and  a  large  circle  of  beautiful  lar 
dies,  and  talented  young  men,  all  of  whom  are  Sunday  school 
teachers.  Near  them  is  Mrs.  Leverett,  a  teacher  of  a  school 
for  young  ladies — she  has  the  patronage  of  half  the  Fifth  Av- 
etme,  said  Mr.  Swift. 

Mr.  Bartlett,  a  wealthy  merchant,  is  on  our  right,  and  his 
wife  is  near  him  :  they  occupy  the  highest  place  in  the  social 
world,  said  Mv.  Grinnell. 

In  front  is  the  talented  Mr.  Beach,  whose  father  was  the 
founder  of  the  cheap  newspaper  system.  Any  person  wish- 
ing for  the  reputation  of  possessing  half  a  million  of  dollars, 
niust  pay  him  twenty  dollars  ;  if  his  ambition  extends  to  one 
million,  it  will  cost  him  tifty  dollars  for  a  first-rate  notice  in 
T>[r.  Beach's  list  of  rich  men.  This  book  is  one  of  the  im- 
provements of  the  age,  and  enables  a  merchant  to  know  the 
v. due  of  his  own  property,  and  the  public  to  know  the  ambi- 
tion of  both  rich  and  poor. 

On  our  right  is  Mr.  Comstock,  a  very  wealthy  merchant; 
I  made  the  tour  of  Europe  with  him,  said  Mr.  Phalen. 

The  gentleman  approaching  us  is  Mr.  Paine,  a  gentleman 
of  great  wealth  and  literary  taste.  On  his  left  is  Mr.  Gale, 
a  merchant  of  great  wealth.  Near  him  is  Mr.  Wheeler,  an 
eminent  lawyer;  he  is  among  the  first  in  his  profession.  Mr. 
Leupp  is  near  Mr.  Br^'ant.  Mr.  Leupp  has  with  his  wealth 
and  taste  done  more  than  any  other  man   in   the   city  tor  the 


DESPOTISM.  325 

promotion  of  the  fine  arts.  Mr.  Leupp  and  Mr.  Bryant  have 
made  frequent  visits  to  Europe,  and  have  seen  all  that  can  in- 
terest men  of  cultivated  taste  and  great  literary  acquirements. 
"While  in  London  they  dined  frequently  at  the  table  of  Ro- 
gers, the  wealthy  poet  and  banker,  and  formed  valued  friend- 
ships with  the  most  eminent  savans  of  Europe.  Willis,  the 
popular  editor,  is  now  approaching  Mr.  Bryant.  The  Plome 
Journal  has  the  largest  circulation  of  any  family  paper  in  the 
country.  Mrs.  Sheff  is  now  in  conversation  with  Mrs.  Astor. 
She  has  ten  thousand  dollars  in  diamonds,  said  Mrs.  Mor- 
gan. 

Dr.  Bogert  is  now  entering  the  room — do  you  see  all  the 
ladies  crowding  around  him  ?  He  is  the  physician  who  never 
lost  a  patient,  said  Mrs.  Astor. 

Mr.  Robinson,  an  eminent  lawyer,  is  in  conversation  with 
Mr.  Blackney.  The  battle  ground  of  1856 — 7,  is  assuming 
an  importance  which  no  previous  election  ever  had.  The 
whole  country  is  looking  to  the  American  party  for  a  Union 
President,  and  it  is  well  known  that  they  can  elect  Mr.  Fill- 
more, said  Mr.  Stilwell. 

In  the  centre  of  the  room  is  a  circle  of  our  richest  citizens. 
Thomas  Morton,  L.  L.  Squire,  D.  B.  Keeler,  T.  Crane,  S.  C. 
Paxon,  E..  Cheesboro,  Mrs.  N.  W.  Stuyvesant,  B.  R.  Win- 
throp,  Gerard  Stuyvesant,  J.  W.  Catlin,  W.  W.  Winants,  G. 
"W.  Shields,  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Thomas  Morton.  These  fifteen 
persons  are  worth  between  three  and  five  hundred  thousand 
dollars,  said  Mr.  Bill. 

On  the  other  side  of  the  room  is  Mr.  Gilsey,  who  secured 
a  lease  by  which  he  will  make  a  fortune.  For  this  fortune  he 
is  principally  indebted  to  the  circumstance  of  making  a  pre- 
sent to  one  of  the  interested  parties.  Near  him  is  Mr.  Dela- 
van,  whose  whole  life  has  been  a  struggle  to  relieve  the  suf 
ferings  which  flow  from  the  low  vices  of  Catholic  countries. — 
He  is  a  man  of  enainent  talents,  and  writes  as   but  few  men 


326  DESPOTISM. 

can  write ;  be  is  the  man  to  move  in  all  great  reforms.  He 
looks  forward  with  the  eye  of  confidence  to  the  time  when 
vices  and  dogmas  are  to  be  eradicated,  and  our  countrymen 
shall  be  as  virtuous  as  they  will  be  rich,  learned,  and  great  in 
every  thing.  Judge  Capi'on  is  conversing  with  Mayor  Wood. 
Since  Judge  Capron  treated  the  gamblers  in  his  summary 
manner,  virtuous  men  have  some  hope  of  a  reformation  in  the 
criminal  courts.  The  storekeepers  are  raising  a  large  fund 
to  be  offered  to  Judge  Capron,  but  he  is  as  incorruptible  as 
Aristides,  said  Mr.  Bowen. 

In  front  is  Mr.  Pierce,  one  of  the  richest,  most  talented  and 
most  literary  men.  Mr.  Valentine  is  now  approaching  us — 
he  is  a  man  of  great  wealth  and  benevolence,  said  Mr. 
Houghton. 

la  the  centre  of  the  room  is  Neal  Dow,  Mayor  of  Port- 
laud.  He  brought  in  his  pocket  a  copy  of  the  Maine  Liquor 
Law.  He  says  that  at  all  the  parties  in  ^Liine,  coffee  is  sub- 
stituted for  spirits — and  in  consequence  of  the  great  reduction 
of  family  expenses,  all  the  young  men  have  concluded  to  get 
married  ;  they  can  all  borrow  money  of  the  banks,  said  Mr. 
Halleck. 

In  front  is  Judge  Bebee,  one  of  our  talented  and  most  res- 
pected lawyers.  ^Ir.  Haseltine  of  Philadelphia,  and  his  lady, 
are  in  front;  he  acquired  a  fortune,  and  has  passed  the  last 
three  years  in  Europe.  With  them  is  Mrs.  W.,  the  wife  of 
the  eminent  Paris  merchant,  said  Mr.  Jones. 

jN[r.  Melvin  is  in  conversation  with  Mr.  Leupp.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Knapp  are  now  entering  the  room — ^Mrs.  Knapp  is 
loaded  with  jewelry,  said  Mr.  Swift. 

In  the  centre  of  the  room  is  the  venerable  Dr.  Nott,  who 
has  been  the  President  of  Union  College  fifty-one  years,  and 
has  bequeathed  to  it  his  fortune  of  half  a  million  of  dollars. 
Who  can  doubt  that  great  men  in  great  numbers  constitute  a 
great  country-  ?  asked  Mr.  Leuo.'t. 


DESPOTISM.  327 

A  number  of  our  most  benevolent  persons  are  now  stand- 
ing near  each  other.  They  have  recently  subscribed  a  sum 
sufficient  to  build  a  ragged  school.  James  Lenox,  Jasper 
Corning,  R.  B.  Minturn,  Miss  Lenox,  Knox  &  Mason,  J.  F. 
Sheafe,  Mrs.  J.  McBride,  George  Douglas,  Mr.  Oliphant, 
Charles  Abernethy,  H.  G.  Aldrich,  P.  Spofford,  Miss 
Hodges,  S.  G.  Bacon,  L.  C.  Clarke,  T.  P.  Hanlaugh,  A.  T. 
Stewart,  James  Brown,  W.  W.  Stone,  G.  T.  Trimble,  M. 
Ketch um,  A.  Van  Renssalaer,  George  Carpenter,  James  Low, 
J.  Sturges,  Mrs.  T.  Suffern,  H.  D.  Bacon,  and  twenty-five 
others.  The  ladies  who  manage  this  excellent  institution  are 
Mrs.  Abernethy,  Mrs.  Chester,  Mrs.  J.  Mason,  Miss  A.  C. 
Lynch,  Miss  Griffin,  Mrs.  E.  E.  Benedict,  Mrs.  J.  Grosvenor, 
and  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  J.  Wilson,  Mrs.  Bigelow,  Mrs.  Bacon,  Miss  N.,  and 
twenty  other  teachers,  devote  one  day  every  week  to  one 
ragged  school — and  there  are  dozens  of  these  schools  in  the 
city,  and  no  form  of  charity  can  be  more  valuable,  said 
Mrs.  Law. 

Mr.  McCormick  is  in  conversation  with  Mr.  Munro  ;  they 
are  prominent  men  of  the  American  party.  In  front  are 
ilessrs.  Bowen  and  McNamee — they  are  very  wealthy,  very 
liberal,  and  very  active  in  all  plans  for  improving  the  condi- 
tion of  the  city.  Near  them  are  JNlessrs  Claflin  and  Mellen, 
who  have  acquired  an  immense  fortune,  said  Mr.  Beal. 

Mr.  Pease,  who  was  the  first  to  introduce  ragged  schools  ? 
asked  Mr.  Clark 

Racrsed  schools  were  first  taught  by  a  poor  crippled  shoe- 
maker of  Portsmouth,  England,  named  John  Pounds,  in  1839. 
Two  years  after,  Mr.  Watson,  Sheriti' of  Aberdeen,  in  Scot- 
land, obtained  a  subscription  of  one  hundred  pounds,  and 
started  a  ragged  school  with  twenty  scholars.  The  move- 
ment spread  from  Aberdeen  to  London,  and  was  conducted 
main'y  by  Sunday  school  teachero  and  city  luis^ic/uaries. 


3"28  DESPOTISM. 

In  1844  a  society  was  formed,  with  Lord  Ashley,  now  Earl 
of  Shaftesbury,  at  its  head,  as  President,  called  the  Easrged 
School  Union.  It  was  urged  against  the  enterprise,  that  mis- 
ery was  the  natural  penalty  of  sin,  and  that  the  schools  would 
only  prove  an  incentive  to  vice,  as  the  children  would  be  in  a 
better  condition  than  children  from  higher  circles.  The  re- 
sults of  these  efforts  were  as  follow.  In  1844,  under  the  care 
of  the  Union,  there  were  formed  twenty  schools,  with  two 
hundred  teachers,  and  two  thousand  scholars,  and  an  annual 
fund  of  three  hundred  pounds.  In  1852  there  were  one  hun- 
dred and  sixteen  schools,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
eightj^-nine  teachers,  and  eleven  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
thirty-three  scholars,  with  an  annual  fund  of  twenty-five  thou- 
sand dollars,  said  Mr.  Pease. 

The  two  young  men  walking  arm-in  arm  are  brothers,  by 
the  name  of  Storms,  and  are  the  President  and  Vice  President 
of  the  Lenox  Insurance  Company,  and  it  is  one  of  the  best  in- 
stitutions in  the  city,  said  ^[r.  Buckley. 

In  front  is  Senator  Putnam,  one  of  the  most  talented  of.the 
American  party.  He  carried  through  the  Senate  of  the  State 
a  bill  that  will  lessen  the  power  of  a  dangerous  hierarchy,  said 
Mr.  Shannon. 

Mr.  Lord,  the  Vice  President  of  the  Mutual  Benefit  Life 
Insurance  Company,  has  just  entered  the  room.  His  office  is 
one  of  the  first  in  the  city,  said  Mr.  Brown. 

Mr.  Nash,  one  of  our  richest  retired  merchants,  is  on  our 
right.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Osgood  is  on  the  left ;  he  was  born  in 
sight  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  like  Everett,  Bancroft,  and  Palfrey, 
will  undoubtedly  leave  divinity  for  literature  and  politics.  He 
certainly  is  not  in  his  natural  position.  He  wants  fame,  and 
has  the  genius  to  acquire  it.  His  society  are  all  true  Ameri- 
cans, and  heartily  despise  dogmas,  I  should  have  been  pleased 
to  see  Dr.  Osgood's  fl\ce  when  he  heard  of  the  new  Catholic 
dogma  of  a  fourth  God,  manufactured  out  of  a  woman  I     The 


DESPOTISM.  329 

Catholics  used  to  hang  all  who  believed  in  more  than  three 
Gods,  and  now  they  will  hang  all  who  do  not  believe  in  four, 
said  Mr.  Wilson. 

I  see  near  each  other  nineteen  of  the  largest  ship  owners  in 
the  country,  and  probably  in  the  world.  Grinnell,  Minturn 
&  Co.,  Charles  H.  Marshall,  Taylor  &  Merrill,  Jared  Thomp- 
son &  Nephew,  D.  &  A.  Kingsland  &  Sutton,  Samuel  We^t 
&  Co.,  Nesmith  &  Sons,  Mortimer  Livingston,  Mr.  Whitlock, 
Mr.  Tyson,  Dunham  &  Dimon,  Mr.  Griswold,  Charles  Carow, 
John  A.  McGaw,  A.  M.  Lawrence,  Harbeck  &  Co.,  Spofibrd 
Tileston  &  Co.,  "Walsh,  Carver  &  Chase,  Morgan  &  Wiley. 
Near  them  is  Mr.  J.  Hoodless,  one  of  our  most  enterprising 
merchants,  said  Mr.  Hunt. 

Col.  Fremont  has  jus-t  entered  the  room.  He  is  a  relative 
of  Mrs.  Phelps  and  Mrs.  Putnam.  The  Colonel  has  had  two 
suits  in  California  and  two  in  Washington  decided  in  his  favor  : 
and  he  now  has  a  deed,  signed  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  for  seventy  square  miles  in  extent,  situated  about  two 
hundred  and  twenty-five  miles  from  San  Francisco,  in  Califor- 
nia. The  entire  tract  cost  him,  in  1 846,  three  thousand  dol- 
lars— and  now  includes  the  town  of  Mariposas  and  half  a  dozen 
other  towns.  The  entire  tract  is  traversed  by  veins  of  gold- 
bearing  rock,  and  has  already  produced  thirty-five  millions  of 
dollars !  The  whole  seventy  square  miles  are  worth  two  hun- 
dred millions  of  dollars,  and  will  sustain  a  population  of  fifty 
to  one  hundred  thousand  persons.  Palmer,  Cook  &  Co., 
bankers  of  San  Francisco,  have  advanced  the  immense  law  ex- 
penses, and  own  onehalf  of  the  tract.  The  gentlemen  are  all 
crowding  around  and  congratulating  the  Colonel  on  the  deci- 
sion which  has  made  him  a  richer  man  than  any  sovereign  in 
the  world.  The  Know-Nothings  will  need  him  in  their  high- 
est councils,  said  Alderman  Wild. 

Mr.  Tracy  and  Mr.  Elliot  are  discussing  the  condition  of 
the  poor.     It  would  be  fortunate  for  the  city  if  we  could  have 


330  DESPOTISM. 

more  such  men.  Mr.  Grinnell  is  in  conversation  with  Mr. 
Minturn.  Mr.  Grinnell  was  the  principal  contributor  to  Dr. 
Kane's  expedition  to  the  polar  regions.  The  sum  that  iEr. 
Grinnell  contributed  would  establish  a  school  like  the  scien- 
tific school  at  Cambridgo.  Which  is  the  most  valuable  friend 
to  his  country,  Lawrence  or  Grinnell  ?  If  Mr.  Grinnell  could 
send  Dr.  Kane  to  the  moon,  would  it  aid  science,  or  enable 
any  merchant  to  send  a  ship  to  the  same  place  ?  Vessels  with 
cargoes  will  go  to  the  moon  when  they  reach  the  North  Pole. 
Captain  Parry  demonstrated  years  ago  that  the  frozen  ocean 
was  forever  closed  against  the  pursuits  of  commerce,  anti 
science  had  no  more  to  ask.  Every  dollar  spent,  and  every 
life  sacrificed,  it  they  had  been  directed  aright,  would  have 
extended  the  boundaries  of  science,  and  shed  light  on  the  laws 
of  the  great  Architect.  Messrs.  Grinnell,  Minturn  &  Co.  are 
the  largest  commission  house  in  this  country,  and  may  be 
second  to  none  in  Europe.  Their  commissions  amount  to 
three  hundred  thousand  dollars  annually.  The  purchases  of 
provisions  for  the  British  Government  are  made  by  this  house, 
said  Mr.  Spofford. 

On  our  right  I  see  in  conversation  Peter  Cooper,  G.  C.  Ver- 
plank,  Robert  Kelly,  J.  C  Chandler,  Norman  White,  Joseph 
Walker,  and  D.  S.  Gregory.  They  must  be  discussing  the 
importance  of  the  Union  American  nomination  for  a  President 
of  the  United  States.  When  there  is  no  other  issue  but  a 
local  one,  there  will  soon  be  elected  both  a  northern  and  a 
southern  President.  Mr.  Fillmore  will  unite  the  North  and 
the  South,  said  Mr.  Tileston. 

Mr.  Everett  and  Mr.  Bancroft  are  now  entering  the  room 
together ;  Mr.  Everett  is  to  deliver  a  lecture  on  the  character 
of  Washington  to-morrow  evening.  I  had  some  difficulty  in 
inducing  Mr.  Everett  to  leave  Boston  at  this  season,  said  Mr. 
Crerar. 

Near  him  is  Mr.  Duncan,  the  father  of  the  banker,  and 


DESPOTISM.  33 1 

worth,  it  is  mipposed,  five  millions.  After  a  residence  of  two 
years  in  Scotland,  he  has  returned  to  this  city,  and  brought 
with  him  a  retinue  of  servants  equal  in  number  to  a  military 
company.  Captain  Eynders  will  enrol  their  names  in  the  Em- 
pire Club,  and  attend  to  their  depositing  the  right  vote,  said 
Mr.  Van  Buren. 

Near  Mr.  Duncan  are  the  Messrs.  Denison,  our  most  wealthy 

merchants,  and  near  them  are  the   beautiful   Misses  D . 

Mr.  Collins  is  in  earnest  convert^ation  with  Mr.  Wetmore  re- 
specting the  Pacific,  now  out  nearly  two  months,  and  I  regret 
to  say  undoubtedly  lost !  The  loss  of  property  is  great,  but 
sinks  to  insignificance  when  compared  to  the  stricken  hearts 
that  no  sympathy  can  relieve,  said  Mr.  Kingsland. 

Who  is  that  very  aged  man,  now  conversing  with  a  crowd 
of  Americans  ?  asked  Mr.  Putnam. 

That  is  Parson  Green,  who  heard  the  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence read  to  the  American  troops  under  the  command  of 
"Washington.  One  division  of  the  American  army  was  sta- 
tioned in  the  Park,  and  on  July  9,  the  ofiicial  declaration  was 
received  by  Washington,  and  ordered  to  be  read  to  the  troops. 
Parson  Green  says  Washington  stood  near  the  spot  now  occu- 
pied by  the  fountain  in  the  Park,  and  when  the  Declaration 
of  Independence  was  finished,  every  soldier  and  the  assembled 
masses  joined  in  loud  huzzas.  This  spot  was  the  birth-place 
of  the  American  sentiment.  Parson  Green  now  lives  at  Hemp- 
stead, Long  Island,  and  is  ninety-five  years  of  age,  said  Wash- 
ington Irving.* 

Near  Washington  Irving  is  Mr.  Wiggin,  the  eminent  banker 
of  London  ;  he  is  a  near  relative  of  mine,  and  I  will  introduce 
you  to  him,  said  Mr.  Gerard  to  Mayor  Wood. 

Dr.  Mott  and  Dr.  Parker,  the  eminent  surgeons,  are  walk- 


*  The  residents  of  Long  Lsland  gave  him  a  levee  and  a  liberal  contribution  on  Wash- 
ington's birth  day,  1859. 


332  DESPOTISM. 

ing  arm-in-arm.  But  few  men  have  done  so  much  for  the 
cause  of  science.  Near  them  are  Mr.  Nelson,  President  of  the 
Free  College,  and  Mr.  Owen,  one  of  the  professors.  Mr. 
Owen  is  one  of  the  most  talented  and  most  scientific  men  in 
this  country,  and  he  should  be  at  the  head  of  the  Smithsonian 
Institute,  said  Mayor  Wood. 

In  the  centre  of  the  room  is  a  circle  of  the  American  party. 
I  see  Brooks,  Lansing,  Van  Ettin,  General  Hammond,  Hyatt, 
Fuller,  Eliott,  Grossman,  Allen,  Barlow,  Beaver,  Oliver,  Buck- 
mans,  Ware,  Wainwright,  Pierce,  GriflBths,  Boardraan,  Mc- 
Connell,  Cooper,  Smith,  Eidley,  Jackson,  Perly,  Hutchings, 
H.  N.  Wilde,  J.  C.  Chandler,  Odell,  Northrup,  Prescott.  The 
President  of  Council  No.  177,  at  Buffalo,  is  just  informing  Mr. 
Barker  that  Mr.  Fillmore  has  been  a  member  for  years,  and 
one  of  the  most  active  supporters  of  the  American  sentiment. 
Old  Hickory's  mantle  has  been  worn  by  Donaldson,  and  his 
election  is  certain.  The  great  American  party  can  be  seen  in 
imagination,  marching  in  solid  column  to  the  battle-field  of 
1856,  to  elect  Mr.  Fillmore.  No  man  in  the  United  States 
can  claim  his  eminent  qualifications,  said  Judge  Campbell,  as 
the  party  retired. 

The  next  day  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cope  left  for  Philadelphia,  to 
spend  a  few  days,  and  on  their  return  their  bouse  in  the  Fifth 
Avenue  was  ready  for  their  reception. 


DESPOTISM.  333 


CHAPTER    XI. 


EMINENT  MEN. 

Do  what  he  will,  he  cannot  realize 
Half  he  conceives — the  glorious  vision  flies. 
Go  where  we  may,  we  cannot  hope  to  find 
The  truth,  the  heauty  pictured  in  his  mind. 

RoGKRS. 

Mr.  Cope's  house  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  was  surpassed  by 
none  in  the  display  of  wealth  and  taste.  Calls  for  the  first 
M'eek  were  constant. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cope  sought  repose  in  the  calm  domestic 
scenes  of  private  life ;  happy  in  the  society  of  each  other,  and 
in  receiving  and  paying  visits  agreeably  to  the  most  approved 
code  of  etiquette  in  the  Fifth  Avenue.  Mrs.  Cope  visited  eve- 
ry family  that  she  could  regard  as  a  valuable  acquisition  to 
her  large  circle.  There  is  no  society  in  the  world  more  ex- 
clusive than  that  of  the  Fifth  Avenue — none  more  wealthy — 
none  more  intellectual — none  more  entitled  to  the  homage  of 
the  talented — none  can  be  more  rigidly  moral.      Society  here 


334  DESPOTISM. 

possesses  the  elements  on  which  are  founded  all  its  most  lofty 
and  most  potent  claims,  said  Mrs.  Whitney. 

I  agree  with  you,  but  there  is  not  a  circle  in  New  York 
or  elsewhere,  however  exclusive,  that  will  not  open  its  doors 
to  intellect,  beauty,  virtue,  wealth,  graceful  manners,  and  an 
early  familiarity  with  the  best  society,  when  they  are  all  com- 
bined in  the  same  person.  To  such  per.-fons,  the  upper  circles 
in  the  Fifth  Avenue  open  their  doors,  and  invite  them  to  per- 
fect equality.  The  most  dignified  title  that  can  be  borne  by 
any  person  possessing  all  of  these  is  the  name  of  "  Virtuous," 
and  without  this  title  no  one  can  enter  here.  A  single  taint, 
a  single  doubt,  if  once  affixed  to  reputation,  is  sufficient  for 
3'our  condemnation,  and  it  is  more  than  all  the  ablutions  of 
an  ocean  of  purity  can  wash  out.  Stand  fast,  watch  every 
breath  of  scandal,  allow  no  license  to  easy  manners,  none  to 
free  or  thoughtless  conversation ;  none  to  careless  behavior  ! 
You  are  watched,  reported,  your  name  is  marked  by  one ; 
j'our  report  is  conveyed  to  all  the  highest  families ;  you  are 
under  the  ban,  and  never  more  admitted  in  the  highest  circles. 
If  once  admitted  here,  and  you  have  genius,  a  title  can  add 
no  lustre  to  your  name  ;  you  feel  new  dignity;  you  are  associ- 
ated with  the  wealthy  and  the  eminent,  said  Mrs.  Astor. 

Mrs.  Cope,  we  know  that  you  have  a  right  to  demand,  and 
we  know  that  you  will  receive  the  willing  homage  of  the 
whole  avenue,  and  the  affection  of  your  numerous  friends  : 
you  friends  will  be  found  in  the  most  refined  and  intellectual 
circles  of  this  city,  said  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

Mrs.  Cope  was  slightly  embarrassed. 

I  agree  with  you  ;  our  highest  circles  will  open  their  doors 
to  all  who  have  the  elements  that  the  most  intellectual  classes 
claim,  said  Mrs.  Cambreling. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  shall  call  often,  I  can  not  tell  you  all  that  I 
have  heard  your  friends  say  of  you.  I  believe  they  all 
feel  that  they  are  receiving  a  reflected  honor  in  calling  on  you  ; 


DESPOTISM.  335 

they  think  you  have  the  power  to  open  a  new  avenue  to  refined 
enjoyment.  You  will  excuse  me,  but  I  cannot  entirely  dis- 
sent, said  Mrs.  Abernethy. 

You  must  believe  nothing  that  my  partial  friends  tell  you, 
but  you  must  call  often.  I  shall  be  dependent  on  friends,  and 
shall  consider  it  a  great  favor  if  you  will  come  often,  and  with- 
out ceremony,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

A  few  days  after,  Mr.  B.,  the  eminent  historian,  called  on 
Mrs.  Cope. 

You  see,  Mrs.  Cope,  that  I  have  called  early,  and  without 
ceremony.  I  have  heard  your  name  uttered  by  many  for 
M'hom  I  feel  no  ordinary  respect;  some  have  spoken  it  with 
enthusiasm,  but  of  this  I  shall  tell  you  nothing.  Assuming 
the  privileges  of  good  society,  I  now  come  to  tell  you  that 
I  welcome  you  to  our  avenue  ;  I  shall  depend  on  seeing  you 
often  at  my  house.  You  know  who  I  am  ;  a  plain,  blunt  man, 
who  love  my  friends,  and  live  in  a  circle  not  large,  but  in 
some  respects  peculiar,  said  Mr.  B. 

Mr  B.,  you  are  no  stranger  to  me,  and  for  this  early  call 
I  thank  you  ;  unknown  as  I  am',  in  this  avenue,  I  could  not 
have  claimed  the  honor,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  respect  genius,  and  I  admire  social  life — I  love  conversa- 
tion, free,  bright,  gushing,  intellectual  conversation ;  and  you 
will  excuse  me,  the  ladies  are  the  only  persons  who  understand 
the  science.  I  sometimes  think  I  am  an  old  fogy — but  when 
I  meet  a  lady  who  pours  out  a  rich  stream  of  poetry,  prose, 
history,  fiction,  taste,  fashion,  and  politics  :  and  when  conver- 
sation is  wound  up,  and  set  in  motion  by  female  genius,  I  do 
feel  as  if  new  avenues  were  opened  to  enjoyment,  and  that  all 
must  do  their  part :  and  then,  if  I  do  know  anything,  my  friends 
find  it  out,  for  I  talk  without  ceasing,  said  Mr.  B. 

Mr.  B.,  I  am  almost  a  stranger  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  but  I 
am  no  stranger  to  your  literature  ;  and,  you  will  excuse  me,  I 
am  no  stran£:er  to  the  estimate  tliat   the  reading  world  have 


Sob  DESPOTISM. 

placed  on  your  genius.  I  have  often  read,  and  I  will  always  read 
your  history  ;  I  envy  you  your  power  to  interest  all  readers ; 
I  do  wish  I  had  your  genius,  I  would  use  it  nobly.  I  would 
lay  up  a  rich  legacy  from  all  the  world,  for  the  pleasure  that  I 
would  confer  on  them ;  they  should  pay  me  back  with  all  the 
homage  that  the  most  intellectual  can  pay  to  genius.  Have 
you  heard  Mr.  Curtis'  Lectures  on  the  English  novelists? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

All  of  them,  said  Mr.  B. 

Were  you  pleased  with  his  criticism?  asked  Mrs.  Cope, 

I  admired  the  originality  of  his  views — but  I  did  not  agree 
with  him  in  all  that  he  advanced.  I  do  not  think  Dickens  a 
greater  genius  than  Scott,  said  Mr.  B. 

I  am  pleased  to  find  that  you  agree  with  me,  said  Mrs. 
Cope. 

Mr.  Curtis  will  never  convince  the  reading  world,  that  his 
parallel  is  correctly  drawn,  said  Mr.  B. 

When  will  you  give  us  another  volume  of  your  History? 
a.'^ked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Soon,  very  soon.  Do  you  find  any  new  works  worthy  to 
be  placed  in  your  parlor  ?  asked  Mr.  B. 

Your  own  w-as  the  last  that  I  have  read  :  my  taste  may  be 
in  fault,  but  books  that  I  am  willing  to  read  are  rare,  the 
novels  are  vile — and  history  no  one  dares  to  write,  since  you 
commenced,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

You  have  such  resources  for  conversation,  you  cannot  need 
books  to  fill  up  your  vacant  hours,  said  Mr,  B. 

No  person  can  enjoy  the  reading  of  a  novel  more  than  I 
do — I  mean  good  ones ;  but  not  one  in  ten  is  fit  to  be  read  by 
ladies.  If  I  read  novels,  they  must  give  me  real  active  life — 
virtuous  every-day  life,  such  as  I  hope  prevails  in  this  Ave- 
nue- I  want  no  unnatural  scenes,  and  no  improbable  suffer- 
ings— no  negro  driver.-^,  and  no  white  children  in  dens  of  ne- 


DESPOTISM.  337 

groes.     These  are  scenes  that  mar  the  fair  world   of  beauty 
and  of  truth,  said  Mr.  Cope. 

The  education  that  you  have  received  might  suggest  the 
hojDe  that  you  would  favor  the  reading  world  with  one  effort 
of  your  genius,  said  !Mr.  B. 

]\[r.  B.  it  is  in  vain  for  you  to  deal  in  such  compliments. 
Whatever  my  opportunities  of  seeing  life  have  been,  I  could 
not  dr4iw  a  picture  that  would  not  be  hideous.  Life  would 
be  as  dark  and  repulsive  as  those  displayed  in  modern  novels. 
Novel  writers  have  much  to  answer  for — they  have  the  power 
to  correct  the  taste  of  the  reading  world,  but  not  one  in  ten  of 
the  modern  novels  is  fit  to  be  read.  They  conduct  us  through 
dark  and  dreary  roads,  through  scenes  of  vice  repulsive  to 
ta>te,  and  injurious  to  morals;  they  give  us  an  offensive  efflu- 
via, and  not  the  perfume  of  the  rose.  Can  the  effect  of  such 
works  be  favorable  to  this  intellectual  age?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Certainl}'  not.  These  books  suited  a  dark  age,  from  which 
we  have  emerged,  said  Mr.  B. 

Did  not  Providence  intend  to  conduct  us  through  life  in 
pleasant  walks,  by  the  side  of  gentle  streams,  in  the  cool 
shades  of  innocence  and  virtue  ?  Are  not  most  things  lovely 
that  are  not  degraded  by  bad  influences  ?  Are  not  all  of  na- 
ture's scenes  invested  with  true  loveliness  ?  asked   Mrs.  Cope. 

I  admire  your  views — they  divest  all  things  of  the  gloom 
thrown  by  Catholic  dogmas  over  this  beautiful  world,  said 
Mr.  B. 

The  quiet  walk,  the  shady  trees,  the  cultivated  farm,  the 
ocean  beach,,  the  romantic  crag,  the  water-fall,  the  lofty  moun- 
tains, the  bed  of  flowers,  the  smile  of  beauty,  the  tear  of  joy, 
the  face  of  infancy — do  not  all  of  these  elevate  the  mind,  im- 
prove the  heart,  and  lead  us  up  in  purity  to  our  highest  en- 
joyment ?  Mr.  B.,  you  invest  your  history  with  the  interest 
'of  life.  We  see  the  actors — we  sympathize  with  the  good,  we 
detest  the  bad,  we  know  the  pictures  are  true  life.  Will  you 
15 


338  DESPOTISM. 

favor  the  public  with  a  work  of  the  imagination  ?  Will  you 
withdraw  to  some  romantic  spot,  close  all  your  books,  forget, 
if  you  can,  that  there  ever  was  a  book  written,  and  draw  your 
characters  and  your  scenes  from  nature,  and  give  us  a  true 
picture  of  a  virtuous  life  ? — you  can  draw  no  other.  The 
world  would  read  it,  the  whole  world  would  admire  it,  the 
whole  world  would  be  made  better  by  it.  You  would  not 
have  to  wait  half  a  century  to  enjoy  the  full  blaze  of  public 
approbation.  The  virtuous  and  intelligent,  as  they  pa!«sed 
you,  unknown  to  you,  would  bow  a  recognition.  But  what 
are  we  compelled  to  read  ?  A  sufiering  Indian,  or  a  wretched 
negro,  but  half  human,  is  brought  out  and  tortured  before  our 
eyes.  We  hear  his  groans,  we  see  the  blood  starting  from  his 
torn  flesh,  and  we  cry  out  in  agony.  Are  such  scenes  the  true 
pictures  of  life,  or  are  they  the  abuses  from  which  the  world 
must  rise  by  slow  degree?,  and  only  by  the  aid  of  virtue,  edu- 
cation, and  a  more  elevated  civilization  ?  Is  not  life  in  its 
highest  mission  bestowed  on  us  to  be  passed  in  virtue  and 
happiness  ?  If  life  were  made  up  of  scenes  of  suffering,  death 
would  be  regarded  as  a  blessing.  But  the  pictures  presented 
in  these  novels  are  not  true  lite,  and  it  is  a  libel  to  say  that 
they  are.  Wliat  would  be  thought  of  a  parent,  who,  to  amuse 
liis  children,  should  draw  scenes  from  the  lowest  African  de- 
gradation, more  disgusting  than  Dante's  description  of  the  in- 
fernal regions  V  These  blacks  have  existed  for  sis  thousand 
years,  and  probably  for  ten  times  as  many ;  and  we  do  not 
know  how  much  longer  they  may  exist,  in  the  same  brutal 
state,  before  their  nature  can  be  changed  ;  it  probably  never 
will  be  advanced  one  degree.  These  beings  are  more  numer- 
ous than  can  live  on  the  natural  products  of  the  soil,  and  they 
will  not  cultivate  the  rich  fields.  They  are  so  low  in  the  scale 
of  animal  existence  that  they  have  no  language  by  which  to 
express  the  commonest  wants,  and  they  cannot  count  ten — a 
grunt  like  a  pig  is  the  only  evidence  that  they  are  not  two- 


DESPOTISM.  339 

leofged  brutes.  They  are  divded  into  small  tribes,  and  are 
constantly  lighting  each  other.  Prisoners  taken  in  war  are 
sold  for  a  trifle,  or  exchanged  for  articles  of  the  smallest  value, 
and  when  they  cannot  be  sold  they  are  slaughtered  by  canni- 
bals for  food  and  for  amusement  !  They  live  in  holes,  like  our 
reptiles,  and  are  not  much  above  them.  A  southern  slave  is 
as  much  above  a  wild  African,  as  we  are  above  the  native  In- 
dian. Can  any  reflecting  man  pretend  that  such  creatures  are 
accountable  to  any  law,  civil  or  divine  ?  From  the  contem- 
plation of  such  creatures,  suggested  to  us  by  the  Uncle  Tom 
and  Ida  May  school  of  novel  writers,  let  us  turn  to  scenes  of 
real  life,  the  contemplation  of  which  is  intended  to  make  us 
wiser,  if  not  better. 

You  shall  go  with  me  to  Dr.  Tyng's  church,  and  I  will 
show  you  the  largest  school  in  the  city,  and  all  the  scholars 
are  taken  from  the  lowest  conditions  of  society,  and  led  upward 
by  learning,  by  moral  training,  and  all  the  influences  that  pu- 
rify and  elevate  society.  At  Mrs.  Rogers's  church,  in  the 
Sixth  Avenue,  are  influences  now  operating  that  would  purify 
the  lowest  conditions  of  life,  if  we  could  check  the  vices  that 
most  degrade  these  persons.  Every  church  in  the  city  is  pre- 
sumed to  have  such  a  school,  but  all  their  efibrts  to  relieve  the 
sufferings  of  the  lower  classes  do  not  reach  one  quarter  of  the 
sufferers.  The  charitable  institutions  of  the  city  are  so  numer- 
ous, as  to  be  known  to  no  one  person.  How  many  persons 
are  connected  with  these  schools,  in  some  form  ?  Many  rich 
people  give  money,  and  call  often  at  the  schools.  For  what 
does  this  class  of  teachers  and  benevolent  persons  perform 
such  services  ?  It  is  not  for  money,  for  they  get  none.  What 
are  the  sentiments  which  sustain  these  numerous  teachers,  and 
what  do  you  call  them  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

With  some  it  in  a  religious  sentiment,  with  others  it  is  the 
love  of  children,  with  others  it  is  the  love  of  occupation,     All 


340  DESPOTISM. 

love  virtue — the  influence  of  early  habits  is  among  the  most 
valuable  agencies,  said  Mr.  B. 

I  am  willing  to  accept  your  analysis.  Now  we  want  you, 
or  some  one  of  your  talents,  to  personify  these  qualities,  and 
give  them  life,  and  a  real  existence.  Religion,  virtue,  love  of 
occupation,  love  of  children,  force  of  habit,  are  all  valuable, 
but  as  abstract  ideas  are  not  effective,  and  will  not  influence 
the  world  like  individuals,  who  act  from  these  sentiments,  and 
whose  lives  are  an  exemplification  of  them.  Every  child  and 
every  teacher  has  commenced  a  life  that  will  not  terminate 
here  ;  their  lives,  and  the  lives  of  the  characters  that  you  may 
draw,  or  that  the  novelist  may  draw,  will  affect  the  lives  of 
others,  and  increase  their  influence,  and  live  when  wealth  and 
splendor  will  please  no  more.  Put  these  characters  into  nov- 
els, intersperse  anecdotes  of  interest,  with  which  the  virtuous 
world  is  full,  and  you  will  have  readers;  you  will  do  more — 
you  will  have  a  reading  world  to  bless  you  for  having  discov- 
ered a  new  avenue  to  the  human  heart — the  temple  of  virtue, 
said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  admire  your  views,  and  the  correctness  of  your  reasoning; 
I  wish  some  person  could  make  the  experiment,  and  inculcate 
good  sentiments  by  the  creations  of  genius — but  who  has  ever 
done  this  ?  The  influence  of  novels  in  this  reading  age  is  great 
beyond  computation.  Uncle  Tom  and  Ida  May  are  planting 
seed  deep  in  the  soil,  from  which  will  spring  rank  weeds  and 
bitter  fruit.  More  pernicious  novels  were  never  written  ;  they 
are  sapping  the  foundation  of  our  Union,  and  loosening  every 
tie  that  should  bind  the  country  in  mutual  love  and  respect. 
Another  class  of  novels  are  foul  and  offensive,  positively  im- 
pure— and  he  who  writes  them,  and  those  who  recommend 
them,  are  equally  obnoxious  to  the  most  severe  censure. 

The  literature  of  the  country  is  teeming  with  a  living  mass 
of  pollution,  equally  disgraceful  to  those  who  write  and  those 
who  read  the  novels.     To  other  aflSictions  we  now  must  add 


DESPOTISM.  341 

Sp'ritualism.  What  is  your  opinion  of  the  men  who  are  prac- 
tising this  fraud  upon  the  ignorant  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Nothing  is  so  painful  as  to  hear  them  named.  Why  will 
not  these  beniglited  beings  rise  above  the  mist  and  smoke  of  a 
dark  age,  in  which  they  still  grope,  and  see  the  things  of  this 
beautiful  world  by  the  glorious  orb  of  day  ?  These  benighted 
beings  seem  to  imagine  that  all  the  world  are  as  ignorant  as 
they  are.  I  cannot  excuse  them,  however  ignorant  they  may 
be.  They  are  not  honest — they  know  they  are  not.  Every 
man  of  sense  turns  from  them  with  disgust.  They  fear  con- 
tact with  such  deluded  beings.  The  eight  men  who  invited 
Hare  of  Philadelphia  to  lecture  on  Spiritualism,  and  the  audi- 
ence who  attended  the  lecture  knew,  positively  knew,  that 
every  word  he  uttered  was  rank  fiction,  and  a  fraud  upon  his 
audience  !  Is  it  not  an  insult  to  this  enlightened  age,  and  this 
intellectual  city,  to  palm  a  ridiculous  invention  upon  the  com- 
munity as  a  scientific  fact?  Can  we  visit  upon  the  perpetra- 
tor of  such  an  outrage  indignation  too  deep  ?  Does  the  igno- 
rant Philadelphian  think  he  is  addressing  the  Catholics  of  the 
dark  ages  ?  It  we  cannot  compel  these  troublesome  spirits 
to  pay  some  respect  to  the  common  sense  of  this  age,  we  must 
Bend  them  all  to  the  Cannibal  Islands  ! 

Priests  are  accountable  for  some  of  these  afflictions.  But 
Catholic  priests  are  as  ignorant  as  the  Spiritualists,  and  they 
both  would  send  us  back  to  the  age  of  intellectual  darkness. 
One  class  of  the  Catholic  priests  exert  their  little  talents  to 
convince  the  world  that  the  Bible  is  an  almanac,  from  which 
they  can  learn  the  age  of  the  world  as  easily  as  the  changes  of 
the  moon.  AVhat  is  the  use  of  knowledge,  if  priests  cannot 
comprelieiid  truth,  and  meet  it  fearlessly  ?  Another  class  of 
Catholic  priests,  equally  ridiculous,  are  constantly  inflicting  on 
their  audiences  long  discourses  to  prove  that  the  sacrament  is 
the  real  blood  and  body  of  our  Savior,  and  that  Mary  is  our 
Creator,  and  other  fables  and  traditions   of  an    ignorant  age, 


342  DESPOTISM. 

which  they  know  are  not  true.  These  inventions  were  the  em- 
ployment of  an  ignorant  and  superstitious  priesthood,  and 
amused  their  dull  minds  in  an  age  of  ignorance,  darkness  and 
degradation.  These  priests  never  have  and  never  will  shed 
one  particle  of  light  on  the  world.  The  past  ages  have  been 
dark  enough,  but  they  have  been  made  darker  by  the  igno- 
rance of  the^e  priests.  I  sincerely  hope  that  we  shall  have 
novel  writers  of  the  character  you  have  described.  I  am  sure 
a  discriminating  class  of  readers  would  appreciate  them.  But 
they  have  never  appeared,  and  probably  they  never  will,  said 
Mr.  B. 

Is  not  this  country  to  be  ruined  by  emigration  ?  "What  do 
the  movements  of  this  excited  age  seem  to  indicate  ?  Is  the 
struggle  between  vice  and  virtue  to  end  in  the  extinction  of  all 
virtue,  and  subject  us  to  an  incursion  of  Goths  and  Vandals? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

No,  nothing  of  the  kind.  There  is  no  danger — you  need 
not  be  alarmed.  Disobedience  to  law  is  not  the  destruction 
of  our  republic.  Vice  will  have  its  representatives,  and  judges 
will  sell  their  ermine,  and  their  honesty,  when  vice  approaches 
them  in  female  form.  Temperance  and  virtue  are  the  only 
correctives  of  a  corrupt  society.  We  have  learned  that  one 
class  must  vote  no  longer,  if  we  would  preserve  a  free  govern- 
ment, and  our  valuable  institutions.  This  is  a  century  of  great 
developments.  The  last  age  was  crowded  with  great  men,  but 
the  next  century  will  be  infinitely  greater  than  either.  The 
intellect  of  the  world,  like  the  intellect  of  the  individual,  has  its 
infancy,  its  manht)od,  its  mature  age,  and  its  decay.  The  in- 
fancy of  the  intellect  has  been  cramped  for  ages  by  Catholic 
ignorance,  superstition  and  intolerance.  Bursting  all  barriers, 
it  is  now  asserting  its  high  destiny,  and  its  claim  to  manhood. 
All  that  has  yet  been  accomplished  is  not  a  tithe  of  the  great 
designs  vet  to  be  accomplished.  Every  succeeding  age  is 
wiser  than  the  past — all  the  accumulated  knowledge  of  this 


DESPOTISM.  343 

age  is  our  legacy  to  the  next.  The  intellect  of  man  during 
the  first  ages  was  a  blank — men  knew  nothing,  for  there  were 
no  teachers,  and  no  recorded  knowledge.  At  this  moment 
half  the  Americans  are  men  of  science,  and  the  willing  teach- 
ers of  the  other  half  A  boy  is  now  a  professor  in  a  college, 
and  is  capable  of  teaching  all  that  the  greatest  astronomers 
have  taught.  Every  discovery  of  to-day  is,  by  steam,  the 
press,  and  the  telegraph,  the  ripened  knowledge  of  nearly  all 
the  world  to-morrow- — thanks  to  Adams,  Hoe,  and  Morse. 
The  first  fruit  of  liberty  in  our  republic  is  education — and  the 
first  fruit  of  education  is  an  extensive  literature  and  a  reading 
people.  The  result  of  education  is  cultivated  taste  in  every 
art,  every  science,  and  every  department  of  social  life.  Lite- 
rature and  cultivated  taste  are  rapidly  raising  tliis  country 
above  all  Catholic  countries  in  refinement,  virtue,  wealth,  and 
all  that  can  give  dignity  to  the  most  elevated  society.  The 
elements  of  progress,  active  as  they  are,  will  be  increased  ten- 
fold by  education,  literature,  and  by  the  aid  of  science.  The 
Egyptians  worshiped  Bacchus  and  the  Cyprian  Venus,  in  rites 
that  would  disgrace  any  age  or  nation.  Greece  and  Rome  en- 
shrined a  mythology  but  little  more  elevated  than  that  of 
Egypt.  The  worship  of  the  Catholics,  pure  at  first,  was  soon 
degraded  into  a  despotism  by  the  priests,  whose  inventions 
and  dogmas  do  not  pretend  to  be  of  divine  origin.  A  female 
ascending  from  earth,  usurped  a  throne  in  Heaven.  The  lite- 
rature of  every  country  is  the  offspring  of  its  own  ideal  Deity, 
the  impersonation  of  its  own  revelation.  The  Catholic  Deity 
invented  on  earth,  is  earthly — the  Protestant,  coming  from 
God,  is  Godlike. 

The  intellect  of  this  free  country  is  soaring  above  all  con- 
tact with  superstition,  and  is  consigning  to  oblivion,  Bacchus, 
Venus,  all  profane  mythology,  and  all  self-made  Catholic  Dei- 
ties. Our  free  country  has  now  commenced  a  Temple,  in 
which  a  pure  literature  is  to  be  enshrined,  and  in  it  all  may 


344  BESPaxisM. 

worship.  Genius  enshrined  on  an  imperishable  altar,  will  con- 
struct a  basis  on  which  no  Catholic  altar  ever  rested  :  one 
half  the  world  will  not  be  set  on  by  priests  and  popes,  to  mur- 
der the  other  half.  The  pulse  of  genius  beats  simultaneously 
over  this  great  country,  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  shore. 
A  new  discovery  acknowledged  at  Icy  Cape^  will  be  echoed 
at  Cape  Horn.  The  whole  Union  is  one  great  temple,  and  all  are 
speakers,  actors,  thinkers,  and  writers.  We  stand  before  each 
other,  all  eager  to  display  the  truth  we  have,  or  think  we  have 
discovered.  In  one  great  temple  of  science,  the  intelligence 
of  the  world  is  now  concentrating ;  and  rejecting  old  agencies, 
we  are  soon  to  have  electric  power  made  available  in  every 
department  of  knowledge.  The  whole  Protestant  world  will 
then  start  up  with  new  life ;  and  new  energy  will  attract 
heart  to  heart,  and  cement  the  union  of  the  great  American 
Party,  under  Mr.  Fillmore,  said  Mr.  B. 

Mr.  B.,  did  you  hear  Mr.  Everett  deliver  his  eulogy  on  Wash- 
ington, at  the  Academy  of  Music,  March  3rd  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Cope. 

I  did,  and  I  was  delighted,  said  Mr.  B. 

I  was  unable  to  attend,  and  I  regret  it  exceedingly , — was 
he  as  eloquent  as  usual  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

He  was  never  more  so.  From  the  poetic  nature  of  his  sub- 
ject, he  was  allowed  unlimited  range  in  the  regions  of  imag- 
ination. His  fancy  was  brilliant,  his  voice  as  musical  as  the 
^Eolian  harp,  and  his  gestures  were  grace  personified,  said 
Mr.  B. 

Mr.  Everett,  or  bis  friends,  were  cruel  to  demand  of  the 
reporters  that  they  should  not  give  us  even  a  sketch  of  his 
lecture.  Mr.  B.,  your  memory  is  so  retentive,  you  can  repeat 
one  half  of  his  oration ;  will  you  do  it  to  oblige  me  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Cope, 

Mrs.  Cope,  do  you   know   what  you   are  asking  of  me  ? 


DESPOTISM.  345 

Do  you  wish  me  to  spoil  for  you  Mr.  Everett's  best  flight  ?  I 
know  you  do  not,  for  I  know  your  taste,  said  Mr.  B. 

If  you  are  unwilling  to  give  me  a  sketch  of  his  speech,  give 
me  one  of  his  conversation,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

That  I  can  do.  The  next  evening  after  he  delivered  his 
lecture,  he  met  at  my  house  a  few  of  my  friends,  among  whom 
were  Gov.  Raymond,  Mr.  Willis,  Senator  Brooks,  Judge  Ca- 
pron,  Charles  King,  Mr.  Owen,  Mr.  Grinnell,  Mr.  Law,  Mr. 
!McElrath,  Mr.  Van  Dusen,  and  Washington  Irving.  The 
subjects  discussed,  were  the  exciting  ones  of  the  day,  the  Pres- 
idential Election,  Catholic  votes,  imported  vices.  Slavery, 
nullification,  &c.,  &c.  I  shall  not  attempt  to  give  you  his 
words  —but,  in  my  free  imitation,  I  will  endeavor  to  give  you 
the  i-pirit  of  his  conversation.  It  will,  of  ccurse,  be  but  an 
outline.  Mr.  Everett  had  heard  the  sentiments  of  W.  Irving, 
and  Governor  Raymond,  and  after  a  few  preparatory  remarks, 
spoke  without  interruption,  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes. 

Gentlemen  :  I  am  an  American.  On  my  banner  is  placed 
America  first,  American  sentiments  always,  and  American 
electors  only  !  Under  this  flag  I  shall  sink  or  swim.  I  have 
known  Mr.  Fillmore  for  twenty  years — and  a  firmer  patriot,  a 
more  devoted  friend  to  his  country,  and  her  glorious  institu- 
tions, does  not  live.  In  the  cause  of  Union  I  have  toiled, 
shoulder  to  shoulder,  with  liim,  through  the  heat  of  that  con- 
test that  should  have  given  the  country  repose.  In  this 
friendly  meeting,  I  am  not  willing  to  allude  to  the  men  who, 
in  this  excited  moment,  are  driving  the  country  upon  the 
shoals  of  anarchy.  These  men  are  found  both  North  and 
South,  and  we  must  denounce  them,  or  our  country  is  lost ! 
If  a  Union  candidate  cannot  be  elected — I  repeat,  the  country 
is  lost.  Gentlemen,  this  is  no  fiction.  It  is  the  clear  conclusion 
of  my  mind.  Is  not  Massachusetts  out  of  the  Union  ?  Is  not 
the  red  flag  of  rebellion  flying  at  her  mast-head  ?  If  one 
Southern  State  follows  her  example,  the  glorious  Uniou  will 
15* 


346  DESPOTISM. 

be  de-^troyed,  find  the  thirty-one  United  States,  will  be  the 
dissolved  Union  ;  the  Disunited  States  !  My  feelings,  gen- 
tlemen, will  not  permit  me  to  follow  this  subject.  I  can 
not  contemplate  disunion  !  Is  there  such  a  country  as  ours 
on  the  globe  ?  Is  freedom  known  in  any  other  country  ? 
Has  patriotism  any  emblem  but  Washington  ?  Are  our 
privileges,  our  institutions,  and  our  intelligence,  found  on  any 
other  soil  ?  Is  there  a  man  with  heart  so  base,  that  he  would 
insert  a  wedge  to  sever  the  North  from  the  South.  Gentle- 
men :  I  know  a'ou  are  with  me.  I  know  you  will  speak  out 
in  this  contest  for  America.  Time,  and  all  created  things, 
were  made  for  man.  The  natural  sun  will  ever  shine  on  us; 
and  the  moral  sun,  shining  through  lives  that  came  from  the 
Creator  of  them  both,  will  ever  shine  in  beauty  on  all  below. 
Goodness,  as  an  all-pervading  power — does  not  exist,  or  it 
does,  like  the  sun,  shed  its  light,  and  it  revelations  of  truth,  on 
intellectual  m:in.  All  gaze  in  transport  on  the  sun  that  cheers, 
and  warms,  and  guides  us  here; — can  the  revelations  of  such 
lives  as  Washington's  and  our  greatest  men,  fail  to  cheer,  to 
warm  and  to  guide  us  upward,  to  Him  from  whom  they  came  ? 
I  btlieve  that  life  here,  is  a  preparation  for  a  purer  life  to 
come.  I  believe  that  the  purest  light  that  man  can  have,  or 
God  can  give,  is  the  pure  life  of  those  who  live  and  die  with  us. 
I  believe  that  pure  «ves  will  ever  flow  from  Him,  to  guide  us 
to  civilization,  to  happiness,  and  Heaven.  I  believe  that  our 
progress  in  civilization,  in  virtue,  and  in  happiness,  will  be  in 
the  exa<-.t  proportion  to  the  respect  we  pay  to  virtue,  and  o in- 
best  institutions.  I  believe  a  dogma,  that  refers  all  the  moral 
qualities,  and  our  own  existence  to  Holy  Mary,  or  to  any 
mortal  god,  equally  degrades  our  Creator,  ourselves,  and  our 
religion. 

I  believe  this  to  be  the  philosophy  taught  in  all  ages  by  in- 
tellectual men,  and  now  revealed  with  perfect  clearness  to  men 
of  science,  learning,  and   deep  reflection.     I  believe  a  sound 


DESroTISM.  347 

philosophy  IS  the  aid  of  religious  senti!n.ent,  in  all  its  varied 
forms — received  and  embraced  as  it  is  by  every  gr^de  of  in- 
tellect, from  the  dull  Spiritualist,  the  superstitious  Catholic, 
tiie  sensual  Mormon,  and  the  darkened  Pagan,  to  the  most  in- 
tellectual Christian.  The  human  mind  includes  as  many 
grades  of  intellect  as  there  are  classes  or  castes  in  the  world. 
Each  class  will  construct  for  itself  a  faith,  beneficml  or  inju- 
rious, according  to  the  intellect  or  the  honesty  of  its  leaders. 
If  the  intellect  of  the  world  were  sufficiently  elevated  to  com- 
prehend a  sound  philosophy,  the  religious  faith  of  individuals, 
or  of  nations,  would  not  be  a  matter  of  deep  interest  to  any 
one — but  unable  as  three-fourths  of  the  world  are  to  reason 
for  themselves,  they  will  always  be  led  by  some  designing  lead- 
ers. Brighara  Young  will  be  a  god  to  the  Mormons,  while  he 
is  as  sensual  as  a  beast.  The  Pope  will  be  a  god  to  the  igno- 
rant, superstitious  Catholics,  while  he  promises  them  Paradise 
in  exchange  for  money,  and  a  monoj)oly  of  all  the  best  places, 
to  the  exclusion  of  intidels,  whom  they  are  required  to  destroy. 
Tiie  weak  Spiritualist  will  make  a  prophet  or  a  god  of  a  judge 
or  a  mountebank,  while  he  is  unable  to  account  for  the  juggle 
of  rapping  and  table  moving.  Alow  grade  of  intellect  will 
ever  be  tVie  victim  of  the  new  delusion,  whatever  that  may  be. 
Brownson  has  believed  in  every  dogma  and  every  doctrine 
that  could  be  blown  from  the  four  winds  of  heaven;  he  has 
now  nearly  completed  the  circle,  and  will  soon  end  where  he 
began,  by  disbelieving  everything  but  his  own  foll3^ 

The  Egyptian  and  other  ancient  forms  of  worship  were  sim- 
ply the  orgies  of  sensuality.  The  religion  of  the  half-civilized 
nations  of  Asia  rested  on  a  debasing  mythology,  and  required 
the  purifying  of  fire  and  the  burning  of  females.  The  religion 
of  all  heathen  nations  included  numerous  gods,  and  the  Catho- 
hc,  based  on  the  same  idolatry,  includes  four  gods,  and  nume- 
rous saints,  who  are  their  gods ;  and  it  seems  to  have  come 
from  the  Druids,  who  were  liiemselves  the  gods,  and  sacrificed 


348  DEsroTisn. 

on  their  horrid  altars  hecatombs  of  their  people.  Catholics, 
like  the  Druids,  have  aJwaj's  burnt  infidels  here,  and  smoked 
them  in  brimf^tone  hereafter. 

I  believe  that  the  human  family,  if  one  thousand  millions, 
are  to  be  elevated  in  civization  by  lifting  them  in  the  order 
that  they  now  stand.  The  intellectual  must  lead,  and  the  sen- 
pual  and  the  debased  will  be  the  last  that  the  humanizing  in- 
fluences will  reach  and  elevate.  "When  the  entire  world  of  in- 
tellectual man  is  elevated,  and  it  is  now  progressing,  the  black 
and  the  lower  classes  of  the  white  race  may  be  reached  and 
elevated.  But  he  who  would  attempt  to  eleA^ate  the  condition 
of  the  black  only,  while  we  have  ten  millions  of  whites  in  our 
ii'.id^t,  slaves  to  a  worse  influence  than  southern  ownership 
and  soutliern  institutions,  is  himself  in  darkness.  Streams  of 
liuman  life  are  constantly  flowing  into  the  world,  as  the  rivers 
flow  to  the  ocean.  These  streams  are  constantly  running  into 
and  pressing  on  each  other.  Life  comes  into  the  world  too 
fd^t  for  the  products  of  the  earth  to  support  it — hence  the 
poverty  and  destitution  of  three- fourths  of  the  population  of 
the  world.  If  we  are  ever  to  aid  a  starving,  suffering  world, 
we  must  commence  at  the  apex  of  civilization,  and  by  purify- 
ing the  fountain,  we  may  draw  upward,  by  healthy  influences, 
the  social  masses,  and  the  lower  classes  will  then  be  relieved 
from  the  pressure  that  has  existed  since  the  human  family  was 
created.  That  the  whole  race  of  man,  under  Catholic  rule 
from  the  first  to  the  twelfth  century,  receded  vastly  in  civili- 
zation, is  as  certain  as  any  historical  fact  can  be.  It  is  true 
at  this  moment  that  Africa  is  receding — and  as  beastly  as  the 
blacks  have  been  for  ages,  they  are  soon  to  be  worse — and 
they  now  kill  all  they  cannot  sell.  There  is  not  a  solitary 
humanizing  influence  at  this  moment  in  operation  that  can  ever 
reach  the  masses  in  Africa,  consisting  of  one  hundred  million.s 
of  starving,  crawling,  two-legged  beasts.  These  creatures  are 
so  low  in  the  scale  of  being,  that  no  man  can  conjecture  how 


DESPOTISM.  349 

they  can  be  reacled  or  elevated.  The  streams  of  life,  six  or 
seven  in  number,  and  representing  the  races,  starting  from  dif- 
ferent points  iu  the  great  field  of  created  being,  bring  with 
them  their  own  taint,  and  their  own  color.  If  these  streams 
are  to  be  cleansed,  we  must  have  superhuman  aid ;  and  we 
must  not  commence  at  the  ocean,  but  at  the  source  of  the 
stream.  Vegetable  life  dies  with  the  wintry  blasts,  but  intel- 
lectual man  passes  on  to  a  never-ending  existence.  The  mys- 
tery of  his  origin,  and  the  mystery  of  his  termination,  are 
equally  involved  in  uncertainty.  To  spend  all  our  sympathy 
on  negroes,  while  we  have  ten  millions  of  white  beings  that  we 
know  have  souls  to  save,  and  lives  to  suffer,  we  shall  be  ever 
working  back  to  nature,  and  not  forward,  or  upward  to  the 
Deity.  Four  hundred  millions  of  whites  are  in  a  condition  in 
no  respect  above,  and  the  most  of  them  are  infinitely  below  our 
southern  blacks.  A  sublime  spectacle  this  fur  the  contempla- 
tion of  the  philanthropist,  and  a  thought  of  deep  humiliation 
will  settle  on  the  heart.  There  are  influences  now  set  in  mo- 
tion all  over  our  glorious  country,  that  may  reach  their  object, 
and  drive  sickness,  sorrow,  and  suffering  from  half  the  nation. 
Our  own  population  is  thirty  millions,  and  eleven  hundred  mil- 
lions seem  doomed  to  suffer,  many  of  them  here,  if  not  here- 
after. We  envy  not  those  who  will  take  this  enlarged  view  of 
created  life,  and  still  oppose  the  influences  that  are  given  us 
for  its  amelioration.  If  we  place  our  eye  upon  the  pendulum 
of  a  clock,  we  shall  have  a  monitor  that  tells  a  melancholy  tale. 
"With  every  oscillation  of  that  pendulum,  a  human  being  drops 
into  eternity,  and  another  lite  from  the  Creator  steps  in  and 
takes  its  place.  With  a  slight  effort  of  the  imagination,  we 
can  see  eleven  hundred  millions,  marcljing:  in  dense  columns 
from  infancy  to  youth,  from  youth  to  middle  age,  and  from 
middle  age  to  the  grave.*     This  moving,  marching  mass,  pass 


*  The  latest  estimates  of  the  population  of  the  earth  make  eleven  hundred  and  fifty 
millions,  tIz:— I'asaiis,  676,000, OuO;  Christians,  S20,UOO,000  ;  J.'abommedaas,  140,000,000. 


S50  DESPOTISM. 

on  through  avenues  of  their  own  selecting  from  the  cradle  to 
the  grave.  Some  pass  through  smiling  valleys,  by  the  side  of 
gentle  streams  and  perfumed  gardens.  Some  by  crooked 
paths,  over  steep  hills,  and  in  roads  filled  with  thorns  and  foul 
influences.  Some  travel  by  the  side  of  stagnant  streams,  full 
of  deadly  malaria,  pestilence  and  horrid  suffering.  Some  ask 
priests  for  aid,  and  are  directed  to  fill  their  minds  in  early  life 
with  dogmas,  and  these  benighted  wanderers  of  a  mistaken 
way  meet  their  fellow-man  in  the  journey  of  life,  and  they  cut 
his  throat  or  burn  him  at  the  stake  !  Some  pass  bewildered 
through  the  world,  and  as  they  cannot  join  those  who  butcher 
and  burn  in  this  vale  of  tears,  they  give  up  their  faith  in  a 
good  Creator,  and  die  without  hope.  The  whole  world,  in  one 
great  column,  is  marching  to  the  grave.  We  hear  the  notes 
of  nature's  music.  The  whole  world  is  one  great  temple, 
crowded  with  created  life,  in  perfect  music  ever  charming.  All 
that  our  Creator  has  given  us  is  in  perfect  unison.  The  laws 
of  science,  and  all  that  man  can  learn,  and  all  that  God  has 
revealed,  are  a  perfect  gamut. 

Kepler's  law  of  equal  areas,  in  equal  times,  is  the  key  note 
to  astronomy,  and  the  great  orbs  chime  in  with  perfect  har- 
mony. The  rocks,  the  minerals,  the  metals,  that  form  the 
globe,  will  tell  us  which  note  first  sounded  on  the  ear.  Chem- 
istry shows  us  the  most  pertect  metrical  arrangement  that  was 
ever  created ;  the  music  of  sounds,  ravishing  as  it  is,  is  sur- 
passed by  its  nmsical  notes,  ever  varied,  but  ever  recurring  in 
infinite  variety.  The  arts,  conceived  in  beauty,  reared  in 
beauty,  in  beauty  end,  when  they  reveal  the  Creator  of  all  har- 
mony. The  works  of  genius,  all  the  creations  of  greatest 
minds,  a  literature  unknown  to  ancient  sages,  the  inspiration 
that  connects  man  with  the  Deity,  in  one  great  chorus  melt 
the  heart  with  rapture.     The  light  of  day,  the  moon's  gentle 

Of  Christians,  the  Church  of  Rome  numbers  170,000,000,  the  Greek  and  Eastern  churches 
60,000,000.  and  the  Protestants  90,COO,000. 


DESPOTISM,  351 

raj's,  the  robes  of  green,  the  garden's  fragrance,  the  face  of 
beauty,  the  tears  of  joy,  the  heart's  deep  sympathy,  all  are 
notes  of  ecstasy.  The  world  of  contemplation,  all  that  life  is, 
all  that  life  can  bestow,  life  here,  and  life  hereafter,  are  chimes 
forever  sounding.  The  poet's  thoughts,  the  stars  that  shine, 
the  arch  of  heaven,  that  spreads  in  beauty  over  us,  the  illimit- 
able ken  of  a  Newton  or  a  Pierce;  the  worlds  beyond  this 
world,  that  man's  eye  or  his  imagination  can  explore,  all,  all 
are  echoes  of  Nature's  music,  from  Heaven  resounding. 

The  pendulum  swings,  and  man  drops  into  the  grave — too 
often  unlamented.  Every  tenth  man  kills  himself  by  passing 
through  the  pestilential  bogs  of  life,  and  inhaling  their  intox- 
icating malaria.  Every  fifth  man  goes  over  hills  and  among 
thorns,  and  with  lacerated  feet  and  broken  heart,  dies  a  victim 
to  a  mistaken  road. 

Now,  assembled  around  thy  throne,  0  my  God,  we  come  to 
offer  thee  the  fruit  of  life's  great  experiment.  In  awful  con- 
sternation the  whole  world  is  now  approaching  !  We  know 
thy  goodness — we  bow  in  adoration  !  In  presence  of  a  power 
too  august  for  mortal  eyes,  we  are  now  assembled,  and  await 
thy  just  decree ! 

An  Emperor  is  seen  advancing. 

I  asked  for  nought  but  power!  On  the  altar  of  ambition  I 
sacrificed  a  life  of  glory  !  I  killed  all  thy  children  who  op- 
posed my  bloody  course  !  Five  millions  died,  that  I  might 
enslave  the  world  !     My  name  is  Napoleon  ! 

Not  one  act  of  thy  life  gave  joy,  h^ippiness  or  peace  to  man  ! 
Depart ! — was  the  awful  response. 

In  life  I  was  ever  spreading  discord,  and  abusing  all  who 
were  not  as  religious  as  I  was.  I  bought  lands,  dug  graves, 
made  long  prayers,  and  sold  them  all  for  money.  I  helped  to 
make  a  law  demanding  the  propert}'  of  other  persons,  and  then 
called  them  vile  names  for  saj'ing  tliat  I  had  made  the  law^ 
To  have  served  thee,  0  my  God,  I  would  have  burnt  Protest- 


352  DESPOTISM. 

ant  infidels,  as  all  the  Popes  have  done,  but  I  had  not  the 
power.  I  helped  to  elevate  Mary,  a  mortal,  to  a  perfect 
equality  with  thee.  I  knew  there  could  be  but  one  Creator  ! 
To  obtain  power,  we  have  manufactured  a  host  of  mortal 
gods.  As  I  must  now  speak  the  truth,  I  will  acknowledge 
that  I  was  not  honest !     My  name  is  Hugi,^s  ! 

I  know  you  not !  was  the  voice  of  offended  justice. 

See  dense  masses  now  for  judgment  asking!  We  came 
from  gardens  of  thy  love,  where  we  were  placed  by  good  in- 
fluences, amid  scenes  of  beauty,  innocence,  purity  and  happi- 
ness ;  surrounded  by  good  institutions,  by  freedom,  by  friends 
we  loved,  by  higliest  intellectual  life ;  happy  in  social  exis- 
tence, and  more  hnppy  if  we  shall  meet  thy  acceptance  ! 

These  are  the  rewards  of  virtue  !  These  are  accepted  !  was 
the  benignant  response, 

I  served  thee,  0  my  God,  and  in  thy  service  killed  millions 
of  thy  children  !  They  would  not  believe  my  dogriias  !  I 
persecuted  all  men  who  would  not  yield  what  honest  souls 
could  not !     My  name  was  Loyola  ! 

Depart  instantly  !  was  responded  in  tones  of  thunder. 

I  came  from  thy  hands,  0  my  God,  in  innocence  and  purity, 
but  I  was  misled  by  bad  influences,  placed  by  designing  men 
around  me.  I  died  in  horrid  desolation !  Canst  thou  forgive 
these  men  ? 

0,  never,  never  !  was  the  omnipotent  response  ! 

In  life  I  was  all  loveliness — I  moved  in  grace  and  beauty — 
I  was  the  beloved,  the  adored  of  a  happy  circle  of  parents, 
brothers,  sisters,  friends.  I  was  born  for  Heaven  !  A  fiend 
from  deepest  pollution,  in  shape  of  man,  set  snares,  and  caught 
my  soul!  I  died  unforgiven  !  Must  I  ever  suffer  death's 
deepest  torments  ? 

To  repent  is  to  be  forgiven,  was  the  benignant  response. 

I  lived  that  I  might  serve  thee,  and  place   one   good    influ- 


DESPOTISM.  353 

ence  in  thy  ever  living  temple,  to  live,  to  bloom,  ta  guide  up- 
ward one  way-worn  traveler,  when  my  name  shall  be  forgotten. 

Thy  name  shall  not  be  forgotten  !  was  the  choral  echo. 

During  this  conversation  my  friends  seemed  delighted,  said 
Mr.  B. 

May  I  write  that  conversation  down  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mr.  B.  bowed  and  withdrew. 


354  DESPOTISM. 


CHAPTEE    XII, 


SHOWMEN. 

'Twas  night ;  the  noise  and  hustle  of  the  day 
Were  o'er.     The  mountebank  no  longer  wrought 
Miraculous  cures — he  and  his  stage  were  gone; 
And  he  who,  when  the  crisis  of  his  tale 
Came,  and  all  stood  breathless  with  hope  and  fear 
Sent  round  his  cap  ;  and  he  who  thrumm'd  his  wire 
And  sang,  with  pleading  looli  and  plaintive  strain 
Melting  the  passenger. 

Rogers. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cope  passed  their  summers  at  Newport,  and 
visiting  places  of  interest.  Life  was  a  holiday  of  unmingled 
enjoyment.  Time  passed — years  succeeded  each  other — and 
happiness  seemed  every  year  more  perfect.  No  excess  marred 
the  enjoyment  of  life's  true  pleasures.  To  all  the  claims  of 
dut}'  they  gave  consideration.  The  poor  made  deinands,  and 
they  were  responded  to ;  money  was  given,  suffering  was 
relieved,  advice  was  given,  employment  for  the  det^ponding 
was  obtained.  The  performance  of  every  duty  of  life,  filled 
up,  and  made  more  exquisite,  the  enjoyment  of  a  perpetual 
sunshine,  and  shed  an    unsurpassed   splendor    in    happiness 


DESPOTISM.  355 

around  them.  Was  there  a  possibility  of  any  ungratified 
thought,  or  wish,  or  desire  ?  From  what  could  suoh  a  desire 
come  ?  Three  years  had  now  closed  over  a  life  as  happy,  as 
innocent,  as  useful,  as  life  can  well  be,  and  what  new  event 
could  add  enjoyment  to  such  lives  ?  A  son  was  born  to 
them  !  The  light  of  love,  heretofore  burning  brightly,  now 
shed  a  noon-day  splendor  on  all  around. 

Kind  Heaven,  we  thank  thee  !  We  renewedly  pledge  our- 
selves, and  all  that  we  have,  '  to  thy  service  !  Look  down 
upon  us,  and  witness  this  seal  of  our  sincerity!  Can  the  cup 
of  joy  be  more  full  ?     Can  the  heart  swell  with  deeper  bliss  ? 

About  six  months  after  this  event,  the  following  letter  was 
received  from  Mr.  Wiggin. 

London. 
Mr.  mid  Mrs.   Cope : — 

By  letters  received  from  my  friends,  in  New- York,  I  am 
made  acquainted  with  the  birth  of  your  son.  On  this  interest- 
ing event,  allow  me — as  the  immemorial  usage  of  this  country 
— to  offer  you  my  sincere  congratulations.  Since  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  you  so  often  at  your  house,  I  have  felt  a 
strong  desire  to  write  you.  I  do  not  know  but  you  will  regard 
this  letter  as  rather  early  in  the  history  of  our  friendship,  but 
my  inclination  to  write  you  was  irresistible.  You  know  how 
frequently  I  called  on  you,  and  I  assure  you  that  at  your 
house,  in  the  society  of  Mr.  Cope  and  yourself,  I  enjoyed 
many  of  my  pleasantest  hours.  I  am  a  visitor  in  London,  at 
tliis  moment,  where  for  years  I  was  a  resident.  Crossing  the 
Atlantic  is,  to  me,  full  of  horror;  the  numerous  disasters 
have  induced  me  to  abandon,  for  the  present,  the  thought  of 
returning.  I  may  remain  for  some  years  in  London  and  on 
the  Continent.  With  every  place  of  historic  interest  in  London, 
in  England,  and  on  the  Continent,  I  am  acquainted.  I  should 
be  delighted  to  see  you  both   in  London,  while   I  am    here; 


356  DESPOTISM. 

nothing  would  add  more  to  my  enjoyment.  London  is  gray 
with  age;  no  place  in  the  world  has  the  same  interest  to  per- 
sons who  claim  England,  or  America  for  their  birtli-place. 
London  was  settled  before  the  foundation  of  Home  was  laid. 
The  arts  flourished,  monuments  were  reared,  while  Rome  was 
in  its  splendor.  The  arts  declined,  the  light  of  learning  went 
out — and  darkness  settled  on  the  world.  Learning  revived — 
Oxford  was  the  seat  of  learning,  in  the  eleventh  century,  and 
now  London  is  the  centre  of  wealth,  of  learning,  and  of  the 
power  of  the  whole  world.  Each  century,  as  it  passed,  left  a 
castle  or  a  church,  a  column,  a  house,  or  a  monument,  by 
which  we  can  measure  back  our  history  to  a  barbarous  age. 
The  last  four  centuries  have  changed  the  fate  of  the  world. 
Arts,  sciences,  learning,  wealth,  have  raised  their  imperisha- 
ble monuments.  The  philosophic  inquirer  asks,  what  new 
impulse  was  given  to  the  world,  that  had  lain  in  inactivity  for 
one  thousand  years  ?  The  reply  is,  **  It  was  the  reformation." 
From  this  flowed  the  developments  that  have  changed  the 
world.  England  now  is  the  Mistress  of  the  World,  and  leads 
in  every  thing.  Had  England  remained  under  the  control  of 
JRoman  Catholics,  we  should  have  been  in  the  same  condition 
that  existed  from  the  fourth  to  the  fourteenth  century.  Eng- 
land was  the  only  country,  that  in  the  struggle  succeeded  in 
establishing  her  freedom : — all  the  others,  with  the  exception 
of  some  minor  States,  or  Districts,  are  now  bowing  their  necks 
to  the  Pope  of  Rome.  England  is  many  centuries  in  advance 
of  all  other  nations  in  Freedom,  and  in  all  that  adds  dgnity  to 
nations  and  to  individuals.  I  will  not  conceal  from  you  the 
apprehension  I  feel  of  the  increased  power  of  that  odious  insti- 
tution, the  Hierarchy  of  Eome.  The  Pope  has  established  a 
See  in  England,  an  innovation  that  has  not  been  attempted  by 
any  Pope,  since  the  reformation  !  The  whole  nation  is  m  the 
greatest  alarm.  The  whole  Protestant  world  are  daily  expec- 
ting an  outbreak,  and  if  a  collision  comes,  the  conflict  will  be 


DESPOTISM.  357 

more  destructive  than  at  the  reformation.  Wiseman  is  uni- 
versally despised.  The  Pope  has  intimated  to  the  British 
Minister  at  Rome,  his  intention  to  establish  a  See  in  New- 
York,  and  six  or  eight  others  in  different  States,  with  nume- 
rous Cardinals,  and  Arch-Bishops  ! 

If  England  should  be  again  subjected  to  the  Catholic  hier- 
archy, what  will  be  the  condition  of  America  ?  Who  can  con- 
template this  state  of  things  without  alarm?  Hundreds  of 
Protestant  ministers,  seduced  by  the  freedom  and  profligacy 
of  Catholic  life,  have  joined  their  standard,  and  in  Ireland  the 
Catholics  are  increasing  in  numbers,  and  are  rapidly  sending 
the  country  back  to  a  half-civilized  condition.  The  nobility 
are  sending  off  the  entire  mass  of  their  tenantry  to  America, 
and  the  population  of  Ireland  has  decreased  one  quarter. 

I  have  written  a  longer  letter  than  I  contemplated,  but  the 
subject  at  this  time  is  one  of  absorbing  interest.  May  I  hope 
to  see  you  both  in  London  ? 

Please  present  my  respects  to  our  mutual  friends,  and  be- 
lieve me, 

Sincerely  yours,  Wiggin. 

By  return  of  the  Pacific,  the  following  letter  was  sent  to 
Mr.  Wiggin. 

New  York,  Fifth  Avenue. 
Dear  Sir — Your  favor  from  London  was  duly  received,  for 
which  we  thank  you.  Its  contents  afforded  us  much  pleasure, 
and  we  cannot  deny  ourselves  the  pleasure  of  a  prompt  reply. 
Our  son  is  a  beautiful  boy — beautiful  to  the  eyes  of  all  partial 
friends,  but  more  beautiful  in  the  estimation  of  his  parents. 
You  invite  us  to  visit  London,  and  we  will  accept  your  invita- 
tion. Our  desire  to  see  the  places  consecrated  by  genius  has 
been  increasing  from  the  moment  we  read  the  classic  authors, 
and  now  it  has  become  almost  a  passion.  The  precise  time 
we  cannot  fix,  but  no  circumstance  that  we  can  control  shall 


358  DESPOTISM. 

delay  our  visit.  You  allude  to  the  Catholic  aggressions  which 
are  now  alarining  both  England  and  America.  "With  us  the 
apprehension  has  become  a  panic — the  whole  country  has  risen 
with  a  firm  resolve  to  check  this  emigration  and  the  Catholic 
influence,  or  yield  ourselves  up  to  the  power  of  Eome  A 
party  is  now  forming  over  the  whole  United  States,  in  which 
all  the  talent  of  the  whole  country  is  enlisted,  and  one  senti- 
ment aniujates  them  all.  All  our  elections  turn  upon  this 
question,  and  all  other  considerations  are  merged  in  it.  The 
national  party  have  carried  all  the  elections,  and  when  organ- 
ized, every  office  \\  ill  be  filled  by  them.  If  a  war  with  Rome 
is  to  be  the  result,  the  sooner  it  is  decided,  the  more  easy  will 
be  the  victorv.  The  mass  of  starvinu'  and  beeoinir  Catht)lic8 
has  increased,  till  the  destitution,  crime  and  pollution  can  no 
longer  be  endured.*  These  emigrants  have  been  admitted  to 
a  participation  in  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  citizens.  An 
American-born  citizen,  worth  the  largest  fortune,  had  his  vote 
neutralized  and  opposed  by  one  of  them  ;  and  this  law  has  be- 
come too  oflTensive  to  be  longer  endured.  We  shall  hope  to 
be  in  London  before  you  leave,  and  with  you  we  will  vit-it  the 
continent,  and  all  that  most  deeply  interests  us,  in  that  world 
of  which  we  have  read  so  much. 

Mr.  Cope's  engagements  prevent  an  immediate  departure, 
but  \\Q  shall  hope  to  meet  you  soon  in  London. 
Very  respectfully  yours, 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cope 

James,  I  must  write  to  my  parents  this  day,  without  fail, 
said  Mrs.  Cope. 

New  York. 

Dea?-  Parents — When  are  we  to  have  the  pleasure  of  a  visit 
from  you  ?     We  have  beeu  expecting  this  pleasure  for  some 


*  On  a  recent  examination  by  the  Committee  from  Albany,  one  hundred  and  twelve 
families  were  found  living  in  one  house.  Can  Catholic  Europe  be  much  worse  ?  Com- 
pared with  these  creatures,  southern  negroes  are  pure,  and  enjoy  an  elevated  civilization. 


DESPOTISM.  359 

days.  Dear  little  James  is  in  excellent  health,  and  will  soon 
send  his  love  to  you.  I  do  wish  you  could  see  how  he  f^rows. 
He  is  so  interesting — we  do  love  him  !  It  seems  as  if  he 
would  talk,  he  looks  and  smiles  and  is  so  cunning  I  How 
wonderfully  such  little  creatures  entwine  themselves  around 
the  heart!  Do  you  think  I  shall  bring  him  up  as  I  ought? 
It  is  a  great  responsibility,  but  I  mean  to  make  him  mind.  I 
do  hope  I  shall  do  my  duty.  Did  I  tell  you  that  he  is  grow- 
ing very  fast  ?  He  is  quite  a  boy — I  do  wish  you  could  see 
him.  But  I  have  forgotten  to  tell  you  the  object  for  which  I 
am  writing  at  this  time.  Mr.  Wiggin,  you  will  recollect,  was 
©ften  at  our  house  when  visiting  New  York,  and  he  is  now  in 
Europe.  lie  has  written  and  invited  us  to  join  him  in  Lon- 
don, and  I  am  anxious  to  leave  in  Mr  Collins's  steamer — you 
know  they  are  very  large  and  very  safe  !  Suppose  we  should 
go,  what  would  you  say — would  you  go  with  us?  As  you 
have  been  in  Europe,  you  can  be  our  guides.  You  know  all 
the  world  are  now  going  to  Europe.  Mrs.  Collins  and  daugh- 
ter are  to  go  out  soon,  and  I  am  sure  Mr.  Collins  will  send 
them  in  a  safe  boat  and  with  a  safe  captain  !  Half  the  resi- 
dents of  our  avenue  are  going  this  season.  James  says  he  has 
lost  a  debt,  and  he  is  a  little  cross,  and  will  not  go  at  present. 
I  guess  if  he  stays  at  home  he  will  not  find  the  debt  that  he 
has  lost !  Do  you  think  he  will  ?  If  you  will  go  with  me,  I 
do  not  know  but  I  would  almost  consent  to  go  without  James. 
I  do  want  to  see  the  world — the  Fifth  Avenue  is  not  all  the 
world,  but  it  is  the  top,  some  say,  of  all  the  city.  I  visit  every 
body,  and  every  body  visits  me.  I  am  positively  run  down 
with  company.  "VYhat  is  it  that  attracts  so  many  persons  ? 
No  one  can  think  that  I  have  any  attractions  for  the  gay  and 
brilliant ;  but  their  coaches  are  constantly  at  my  door.  I  have 
some  delightful  friends,  and  some  that  I  could  live  without. 
Among  my  most  cherished  friends  is  Mrs.  Lenox,  and  I  am 
no  less  attached  to  Mrs.  Van  Broom,  and  the  young  Mrs. 


SCO  DESPOTISM. 

Vance.  With  these  I  am  in  constant  intercourse,  and  I  could 
wish  to  be  ever  in  their  company.  "With  them,  and  the  son 
and  daughter  of  Mrs.  Lenox,  I  am  the  happiest  of  the  happy. 
Their  music,  their  lively  conversation,  their  graceful  manners, 
their  cultivated  minds  charm  all  hearts.  I  cannot  tell  you 
how  happy  I  am — who  can  describe  a  happy  home  ?  None 
but  those  who  have  a  husband,  son,  friends,  wealth,  taste, 
talent,  and  a  home,  with  which  no  other  place  compares ! 
Those  who  can  claim  all   of  these,  need  no  de.'^cription, 

I  frequently  meet  Miss  P.  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Lenox.  Her 
musical  genius  is  not  surpassed  by  any  professor  in  the  city. 
Affectionately  yours,  Emma.  • 

P.  8.  Did  I  tell  you  Mr.  B.,  the  historian,  is  a  particular 
friend  of  ours  ?  He  calls  very  often,  and  is  one  of  our  most 
valued  friends.  He  is  delightful  company.  He  is  at  the  apex 
of  society  in  our  avenue.  Mrs.  B.  and  Mrs.  Lawrence  found 
Boston  too  small  for  both  of  them,  after  they  had  resided  at 
the  court  of  St.  James.  I  meet  giants  at  Mr.  B.'s  house.  I 
may  be  eaten  up  by  these  blue-stockings.  Mr.  B.  gave  me  an 
imitation  of  Mr.  Everett.  I  do  think  Mr.  B.  is  a  remarkable 
man.     Adieu ! 

Mrs.  Cope's  bell  rang,  and  a  well-dressed  man  was  seen  en- 
tering the  reception  room. 

Will  you  hand  this  card  to  Mrs.  Cope  ? 

Mrs.  Cope,  read  the  initials  on  the  very  elegant  card, 

T.  P.  B.,  Fifth  Avenue. 

Ask  the  gentleman  into  the  parlor,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mr.  B.  bowed  to  Mrs.  Cope  with  the  familiarity  of  an  old 
acquaintance. 

Mrs.  Cope,  having  heard  of  your  residence  in  this  avenue, 
and  being  for  a  few  months  at  the  Brevoort  House,  that  palace 
of  refinement,  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  call  on  you,  regar4- 


DESPOTISM.  361 

ing  you  as  a  lady  of  more  than  usual  eminence,  and  to  offer 
you  my  congratulations.  Permit  me  to  say,  that  aU  who  re- 
side in  this  street  feel  honored  by  your  selection  of  our  ave- 
nue, and  we  shall  always  be  pleased  to  reciprocate  with  you 
all  those  polite  attentions  to  which  the  higher  classes  are  so 
much  indebted  for  their  refined  enjoyments,  said  Mr.  B. 

Mrs.  Cope  bowed. 

You  will  excuse  me,  Mrs.  Cope,  but  the  high  estimate 
placed  on  you — the  great  reputation  that  you  have  acquired — 
your  many  virtues,  have  all  preceded  you,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
every  resident  of  this  avenue  will  offer  you  their  hearty  wel- 
come. Your  genius,  your  literary  acquirements,  your  eminent 
accomplishments,  have  all  become  the  property  of  your  friends ; 
they  feel  honored  by  the  honors  that  are  so  liberally  bestowed 
on  you.     The  whole  avenue  offer  you  their  heartfelt  welcome. 

Mrs.  Cope  bowed. 

The  gentleman  seemed  slightly  embarrassed. 

Mrs.  Cope  bowed  again. 

Mr.  B.  evidently  wished  Mrs.  Cope  to  speak,  and  relieve 
him. 

Mrs.  Cope  bowed  again ! 

Mr.  B.  was  deeply  embarrassed.  He  looked  toward  the 
door,  as  if  he  would  be  greatly  relieved  if  he  were  once  out  of 
the  room,  that  he  regretted  having  entered. 

Mr.  B.,  what  is  your  business?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mr.  B.  evidently  trembled  with  anger. 

What  is  my  business  in  coming  here  to-day,  did  you  mean 
to  ask  ?  said  Mr.  B. 

No  sir.  What  business  do  you  follow  for  a  living  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

Mr.  B.  was  in  a  storm  of  passion,  and  the  color  reddened 
his  face. 

I  own  a  museum,  said  Mr.  B. 

Then  I  am  right — I  thought  you  did.     Did  you  once  pur- 
16 


362  DESPOTISM. 

chase  a  loathesome  negress  for  a  few  dollars,  and  state  to  the 
community  that  she  was  once  the  nurse  of  Washington  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

Well,  what  if  I  did  ?  asked  Mr.  B. 

Did  you  instruct  her  to  tell  the  story  of  her  connection  with 
Washington's  family,  every  word  of  which  was  false  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

Some  malicious  enemies  said  so,  said  Mr.  B. 

Did  you  tell  the  Abolitionists  that  every  word  of  your  fabri- 
cated story  was  true  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

If  I  did,  I  served  them  right.  To  obtain  office,  they  are 
sowing  dissension  and  ruining  the  country,  said  Mr.  B. 

I  will  forgive  you  one  of  your  sins.  You  obtained  large 
sums  of  money  for  your  exhibition,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  did,  said  Mr.  B. 

Does  your  conscience  ever  admonish  you  that  this  was  not 
right  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  sometimes  have  unpleasant  dreams,  said  Mr.  B. 

Did  you  join  a  man  once  respectable,  and  now  in  office 
in  an  Eastern  State,  and  contract  with  hira  to  have  manu- 
factured, from  the  tail  of  a  codfish  and  the  head  of  a  mon- 
key, a  figure  which  you  were  to  call  a  Feejee  Mermaid  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

I  did,  said  Mr.  B. 

Did  you  employ  a  man  to  exhibit  the  monkey  in  Philadel- 
phia, and  to  obtain  letters  certifying  the  genuine  character  of 
the  Mermaid  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

My  man  did  something  like  that,  said  Mr.  B. 

The  monkey  was  about  eighteen  inches  in  height,  and  a 
miserable  mummy-looking  thing,  and  was  exhibited  under  a 
sign  eighteen  feet  square,  was  it  not  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

That  was  near  the  size,  said  Mr.  B. 

Did  your  hired  man  tell  you  that  his  conscience  forbid  his 
practising  such  fraud  on  visitors  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 


DESPOTISM.  ob3 

What  business  was  it  to  him  what  I  did  ?  I  paid  him  a 
salary  large  enough  to  buy  an  alderman's  conscience,  said 
Mr.  B. 

Did  your  man  tell  you  that  every  person  who  was  admitted 
to  that  exhibition  knew  that  his  money  was  taken  from  hiin 
by  deep  management  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

He  did,  said  Mr.  B.  You  heard  that  an  honest  but  poor 
man  had  bought  a  museum,  and  had  paid  all  the  money  he 
could  command,  and  had  given  his  notes  for  the  balance. 
You  wrote  a  series  of  letters  and  paid  for  their  insertion,  the 
object  of  which  was  to  weaken  public  confidence  in  his  ability 
to  meet  his  notes,  and  thereby  prevent  his  performance  of  his 
contract,  and  to  cause  him  to  lose  all  that  he  had  paid,  did 
you  not  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cape. 

You  are  very  severe,  said  Mr.  B. 

You  finally  bought  the  Museum  for  some  thousand  dollars 
less  than  he  was  to  give  for  it,  and  a  female  orphan  lost  the 
difference.     Am  I  right  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  shall  not  answer  such  a  question,  said  Mr.  B. 

You  carried  Tom  Thumb  to  England,  and  told  the  Ameri- 
can Minister,  Mr.  Everett,  and  the  Queen,  that  he  was  ten 
years  older  than  he  was,  and  then  you  laughed  at  their  folly 
in  believing  you.     Am  I  correct  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  made  a  mistake  in  his  age  ;  is  that  against  any  law  ?  ask- 
ed Mr.  B. 

Did  you  carry  Harvio  Nano  to  England,  and  call  him  the 
"Wild  Man  of  the  Woods,  without  the  power  of  speech  ? 
And  did  he,  under  the  influence  of  some  drug  or  stimulant, 
laugh  immoderately,  and  speak  to  those  around  him  ?  Were 
you  not  exposed,  and  did  not  the  indignant  spectators  inflict 
on  you  a  prompt  and  degrading  punishment  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

How  did  you  know  that ;  it  was  not  in  my  book,  said 
Mr,  B. 


364  DESPOTISM. 

Were  you  ashamed  to  put  this  incident  into  your  book  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  did  not  think  it  would  add  to  my  fame,  said  Mr.  B. 

You  paid  for  writing  numerous  articles,  and  for  inserting 
them  in  the  newspapers ;  these  you  produced  as  the  honest 
opinions  of  the  editors  respecting  Jenny  Lind's  musical  ge- 
nius. In  this  way  you  induced  the  public  to  pay  you  double 
price  fur  your  tickets — did  you  not  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

One  man  paid  six  hundred  dollars  for  one  ticket,  and 
thought  it  cheap,  said  Mr.  15. 

Do  you  regard  the  truth  in  any  statement  you  make  in  the 
papers  respecting  your  exhibitions  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  am  a  showman.  I  am  no  worse  than  all  of  them.  Why 
should  we  not  be  respected  ?  The  world  loves  to  be  hum- 
bugged, and  I  have  gratified  them,  said  Mr.  B. 

Cannot  all  the  vices  be  defended  with  that  sophistry  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

I  am  very  rich,  and  that  is  enough,  said  Mr.  B. 

Did  you  not  state  that  the  Woolly  Horse  was  caught  by 
Lieut.  Fremont  in  a  California  desert  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  have  told  you  that  I  was  a  showman,  said  Mr.  B. 

Did  an  eminent  Professor,  while  lecturing  to  his  class  m 
Paris,  allude  to  you  as  a  type  of  a  class  despised  everywhere, 
and  at  large  only  in  America  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

He  was  a  Frenchman,  and  they  are  familiar  with  show- 
men's tricks,  said  Mr.  B. 

You  bought  some  of  the  stock  of  a  bankrupt  corporation, 
and  sold  it  with  certain  guarantees ;  but  you  were  not  dispos- 
ed to  meet  the  guarantee,  and  the  purchaser  obtained  a  judg- 
ment against  you — am  I  correct  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  have  not  paid,  said  Mr.  B. 

You  claim  the  virtue  of  drinking  water,  but  sold  spirits  and 
lottery  tickets,  if  your  book  is  correct,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Is  it  a  crime  to  sell  lottery  tickets  and  rum,  when  six  thou- 


DESPOTISM 


365 


sand  stores  sell  without  license,  and  against  the  positive  law 
of  a  sovereign  State  ?  asked  Mr.  B. 

Do  they  sell  lottery  tickets  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Many  do,  and  many  men  sell  tickets  who  do  not  sell  spirits ; 
when  I  sold  both,  there  was  no  law  against  selling  them,  said 
Mr.  B. 

How  long  have  you  been  a  temperance  advocate  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

Since  I  became  very  rich,  said  Mr.  B. 

Did  you  write  a  book,  and  boast  of  tricks  that  should  dis- 
grace any  man  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  wrote  a  book ;  public  sentiment  never  did  me  justice,  said 
Mr.  B. 

Did  you  have  any  motive  in  writing  that  book  and  exposing 
your  tricks,  except  money-making  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  wanted  money  and  fame,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  not  think  that  the  character  you  lost  is  worth  more 
than  the  money  which  you  made  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  certainly  do,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  think  any  man  who  justly  estimates  his  own  charac- 
ter, will  allow  his  life  to  be  written  while  he  is  alive  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

I  certainly  do  not,  said  Mr.  B. 

Has  not  a  musical  man  followed  your  example,  and  written 
a  book  in  which  he  exposed  criminal  tricks  suggested  by 
yours  ?  asked  Mr.  Cope. 

That  was  his  fault,  said  Mr.  B. 

Is  not  every  business  infected  by  the  invention  that  claims 
you  for  its  author  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Do  you  suppose  that  I  am  the  only  man  who  ever  invented 
tricks  ?  asked  Mr.  B. 

Is  there  not  an  indelicate  idea  associated  in  the  mind  of  vir- 
tuous females  with  fat  infants,  and  a  public  exhibition  of 
them  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 


366  DESPOTISM. 

I  find  the  ladies  of  this  city  more  refined  than  I  expected, 
said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  think  any  virtuous  females   T^ill    allow    their  like- 
nesses to  hang  in  your  museum  ?  asked  Mr.  Cope. 

I  do  not  expect  any  lady  of  respectability  to  expose  herself 
in  a  disreputable  manner,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  think  there  is  any  point  of  indelicacy  at  which  you 
would  pause  in  your  money-making  career  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  must  admit  that  some  of  my  shows  have  not  accorded 
with  the  taste  and  refinement  of  this  wealthy  city;  I  do  not 
think  the  city  owes  me  much  for  my  efibrts  in  the  cause  of 
virtue,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  not  think  that  every  successful  fraud  leads  men  to 
the  commission  of  greater  frauds?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Well,  what  if  they  do  ?  asked  Mr.  B. 

Is  not  a  man  who  takes  twenty-five  cents  from  your  pocket 
by  fraud,  as  guilty  as  the  person  who  takes  two  thousand 
five  hundred  dollars  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

How  does  that  question  apply  to  me  ?   asked  Mr.  B. 

If  a  man  takes  twenty-five  hundred  dollars  from  the  com- 
munity by  fraud  where  do  the  laws  consign  him  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Cope. 

That  depends  on  the  Judges  :  the  Judges,  Aldermen,  Show- 
men, Contractors,  Lawyers,  all  have  their  prices — some  are 
higher,  some  are  lower,  but  virtue,  in  this  scramble,  is  thrown 
to  the  winds,  said  Mr.  B. 

Were  you  ever  confined  for  oflfences  against  the  laws  of  the 
country  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

What  if  I  was  ?     I  did  not  make  the  laws,  said  Mr.  B. 

You  have  shown  the  world  how  to  make  fortunes,  and  how 
to  make  blacking.  I  should  recommend  to  young  men  who 
read  your  book,  to  make  blacking,  rather  than  to  make  for- 
tunes in  your  way ; — should  you  do  the  same  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Cope. 


DESPOTISM.  367 

I  think  the  virtuous  will  complain  of  some  of  my  inventions, 
said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  believe  that  the  community  form  a  correct  estimatj 
of  the  character  of  all  our  prominent  men  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  do,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  think  the  community  feel  compelled  to  cast  a  severe 
rebuke  upon  a  writer  of  an  immoral  work  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  certainly  do;  I  believe  the  injury  done  by  these  books  calls 
for  a  law,  that  shall  prevent  their  universal  diffusion,  said 
Mr.  B. 

Did  you  not  say,  in  your  book,  that  you  carried  a  Bible  in 
your  pocket  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  did  say  so,  and  I  do,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  your  life  and  conduct  correspond  with  the  lives  of  those 
who  are  governed  by  the  sentiments  there  taught  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Cope. 

I  shall  not  make  you  ray  confessor,   said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  admit  that  your  book,  in  the  hands  of  the  young  men 
of  this  great  country,  will  degrade  their  morals,  undermine 
their  virtuous  resolutions,  and  send  many  a  youth  to  the  dark 
cells  of  offended  laws  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

You  are  getting  sentimental.  The  young  men  must  take 
their  own  chance ;  my  book  is  not  the  only  one  of  doubtful 
tendency.  A  book  that  advocated  a  virtuous  course,  would 
not  sell  for  its  cost,  so  my  publishers  say,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  not  wish,  at  times,  that  you  could  recall  a  work, 
that  reflects  no  credit  on  your  understanding,  or  your  heart  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  think  I  would  not  publish  another  hke  it,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  not  think  you  could  have  written  a  book  that 
would  have  enshrined  virtue  in  the  hearts  of  all  who  read  it, 
and  have  claimed  for  you  the  respect  of  all  who  knew  you  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 


368  DESPOTISM. 

I  do  not  think  my  education,  or  nay  genius  have  suited  mo 
for  literary  pursuits,  siiid  Mr.  B. 

Will  not  European  writers  ever  regard  you  as  a  type  of  the 
American  character,  and  reflect  on  us  as  men  without  honor  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Catholic  France  has  more  rogues  than  we  have,  said  Mr.  B. 

Is  it  not  the  duty  of  every  person  to  enter  a  protest  against 
all  unfair,  immoral,  and  illegal  transactions,  without  regard  to 
the  high  position  that  men  who  practice  them,  may  have 
attained  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Moralists  will  tell  you  so,  but  who  is  silly  enough  to  re- 
.•^pect  any  moral  requirement,  when  money  is  the  price  paid  for 
virtue  1  asked  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  not  think  your  book  will  affect  unfavorably  the 
morals  of  this  great  country,  when  your  name  is  consigned  to 
oblivion,  with  the  lumber  of  the  age  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

The  newspapers  have  been  very  severe,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  not  wish  that  you  could  have  a  name  enshrined  in 
the  hearts  of  all  good  men,  to  be  remembered  and  repeated 
when  your  dust  has  returned  to  its  parent  earth,  and  your 
spirit  to  Him  who  gave  it  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Have  t  not  wealth,  and  will  not  that  purchase  me  a  good 
name  ?  asked  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  intend  to  build  a  proud  mausoleum,  with  gorgeous 
minarets  pointing  to  Heaven,  and  in  this  to  have  placed  your 
mortal  remains  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  do,  said  Mr.  B. 

Do  you  wish  me  to  write  an  inscription  in  advance,  to  cor- 
respond with  your  book  ?  You  will  then  know  what  the 
world  thinks  of  the  men  whose  lives  are  written  before  their 
duties  are  ended,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  should  like  to  hear  your  epitaph,  said  Mr.  B. 

Here  it  is. 


DESPOTISM. 


5G9 


From  earth  I  came — to  earth  I  go, 
Despised  alike,  by  friend  and  foe. 
Alive,  some  say,  I  almost  cheated — 
Dead,  my  great  plans  are  all  defeated. 
My  ambition  was  a  tainted  name  ; 
I  reached  the  goal,  and  here  I  am. 
From  earth  I  was  never  made  to  rise — 
Here,  in  this  spot,  my  soul  and  body  lies. 
I  believe  you  do  not  reside  permanently  in  the  Fifth  Ave- 
nue, said  Mrs.  Cope. 
I  do  not,  said  Mr.  B. 

If  you  had  resided  in  this  Avenue,  I  should  have  removed. 
I  must  have  a  pure  atmosphere,  with  no  taint  of  manners,  or 
morals,  where  I  live. 

Tom,  show  Mr.  B.  the  door,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 
Mr.  B.  seemed  slightly  excited  by  the  unreasonable  scorch- 
ino',  inflicted  by  Mrs.  Cope  on  one  of  our  best  citizens  and  one 
of  our  most  wealthy  and  liberal  men. 
16* 


370  DESPOTISTVI 


CHAPTER    XIII. 


THE  BATTERY. 

Ah  !  who  can  tell  the  triumphs  of  the  mind. 
By  truth  illumined,  and  by  taste  refined  1 
When  age  has  quenched  the  eye,  and  closed  the  ear, 
Still  nerved  for  action  in  her  native  sphere, 
Oft  will  she  rise— with  searching  glance  pursue 
Some  long-loved  image  vanished  from  her  view. 


Mrs.  Cope  was  reading  the  morning  paper,  and  among  the 
arrivals  at  the  Astor  House,  she  read  the  name  of  Mayor  Con- 
rad, of  Philadelphia.  This  was  a  few  weeks  after  the  call  of 
Mr.  T.  P.  B. 

I  do  hope  Mayor  Conrad  will  call  on  us,  said  Mrs.  Eush. 

He  will,  undoubtedly.  He  always  calls  when  in  the  city, 
said  Mrs.  Cope. 

The  bell  rung.  The  servant  brought  from  the  reception 
room  a  card. 

Mrs.  Cope  read,  R.  T.  Conrad,  Philadelphia. 

The  Mayor  has  called  !     It  must  be  him  ! 

Mr.  Conrad,  I  am  pleased  to  see  you,  said  Mrs.  Cope, 


DESPOTISM.  371 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  shall  never  visit  New  York  without  calling  on 
you.  I  bring  nothing  but  kind  messnges  from  your  relatives 
in  Philadelphia,  but  these  are  the  messages  that  I  hope  always 
to  bear  to  my  friends.  All  your  relatives  were  at  my  levee  on 
Wednesday,  said  Mr.  Conrad. 

Then  I  need  not  inquire  whether  they  are  all  in  health.  Mr. 
Conrad,  you  have  come  just  in  time  to  take  a  seat  with  Mrs. 
Rush  and  myself  Do  you  see  our  coach  at  the  door  ?  My 
husband  is  out  of  the  city  for  a  day,  and  I  have  promised  to 
take  Mrs.  Rush  to  the  Battery  and  Castle  Garden.  It  may 
be  the  last  look  that  we  shall  have  of  a  place  that  has  always 
been  dear  to  the  Knickerbockers.  You  have  heard,  no  doubt, 
of  the  sad  work  that  our  Aldermen  are  now  engaged  in,  said 
Mrs.  Cope. 

What  new  crime  have  they  committed  ?  I  thought  they 
had  done  enough  long  ago  to  consign  them  to  an  immortalitj'' 
of  fame,  or  infamy,  said  the  mayor. 

If  you  will  take  a  seat  with  us  we  will  show  you  one  of 
their  acts,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  will  accept  your  invitation  with  pleasure,  said  the  mayor. 

Patricia,  you  will  drive  us  to  the  Battery.  You  see,  Mr. 
Conrad,  we  are  driving  slowly — it  is  hardly  possible  to  drive 
in  any  other  way.  Our  Broadway  is  crowded  with  every 
thing ;  if  has  not  the  quiet  show  of  wealth  and  splendor  that 
your  best  streets  have.  What  will  be  our  condition  fifty  or 
one  hundred  years  hence,  if  we  do  not  open  new  streets  aad 
widen  old  ones?  We  must  have  a  rail-road,  or  Broadway 
will  be  valueless.  Mrs.  Cope,  I  hope  you  will  excuse  me  for 
making  a  single  suggestion.  I  have  never  seen  the  residence 
of  Mr.  Law,  and  you  know  his  name  is  now  spoken  over  our 
great  country.  Will  you  indulge  me  so  much  as  to  return  to 
the  Fifth  Avenue,  of  which  I  have  heard  so  much,  and  allow 
me  to  look  at  Mr.  Waddell's  house,  and  some  of  the  palaces 
of  the  beautiful  avenue  ?  asked  Mr,  Conrad. 


372  DESPOTISM. 

With  all  my  heart.  Patrick,  I  wish  you  to  drive  to  Murray 
HilL  I  must  admit,  Mr.  Conrad,  that  we  are  proud  of  our 
avenue.  You  have  seen  Mr.  Waddell's  house.  Mr.  MoEl- 
rath  has  recently  purchased  it  of  Mr.  Waddell,  and  has  resold 
it,  to  be  preserved  in  its  present  beauty.  Now  you  just  see 
the  roof.  You  now  see  the  vines,  that  almost  conceal  the 
bouse.     Now  we  are  in  front,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

It  certainly  is  beautiful  beyond  description.  Who  are  the 
owners  of  the  four  palaces  on  our  leftl  asked  the  mayor. 

Three  gentlemen  by  the  name  of  Phelps  own  and  occupy 
three  of  them,  and  Mr.  Dodge  owns  and  occupies  the  fourth. 
On  our  right  is  Mr.  Townsend's  house,  said  Mr.  Cope. 

Here  is  another  palace  !  Who  owns  this  ?  asked  Mr.  Conrad. 

It  is  owned  by  Mr.  Eoberts,  and  this  by  Mr.  Stuart,  and 
now  you  see  Mr.  Law's.  Now  we  see  the  Club  House — but 
it  is  not  regarded  as  a  respectable  house.  The  first  president 
was  Schuyler,  the  great  financier,  who  pocketed  all  the  funds, 
and  the  merchants  of  respectability  were  delighted.  A  teacher 
of  youth  is  now  the  president,  and  is  badly  employed,  said 
Mrs.  Cope. 

I  agree  with  you  respecting  club  bouses.  I  am  charmed 
with  the  beauty  of  this  avenue.  Can  there  be  any  other  to 
equal  it  ?  asked  Mr.  Conrad, 

This  is  Madison  Square,  said  Mrs.  Cope, 

I  must  look  for  a  moment  on  this  scene  of  beauty.  No  per- 
son of  taste  can  pass  it  without  this  tribute,  said  Mr.  Conrad. 

This  is  Union  Square,  and  the  fountain  is  now  seen  as  we 
approach.  The  Square  is  full  of  ladies,  children,  and  joyous 
merry  persons,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

It  is  glorious  to  contemplate  such  scenes  of  happiness. 
Where  can  life  be  seen  under  such  cheerful  aspects  1  asked 
the  mayor. 

Now  we  are  in  Broadway  again.  Look  on  your  left.  One 
of  those  magnificent  buildings  is  the  Bible  House,  another  is 


DESPOTISM.  373 

the  Astor  Library,  the  third  is  the  Cooper  Institute,  one  of  the 
most  valuable  gifts  ever  made  to  this  or  any  other  city.  If 
we  have  patience  we  shall  reach  the  Battery,  We  are  now  in 
sight  of  Castle  CTarden.  You  have  been  here  often  when  it 
was  a  scene  of  beauty — now  it  lies  in  ruins,  and  is  consigned 
to  a  painful  desecration,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  have  in  past  times  visited  this  spot,  and  I  did  fondly  hope 
that  it  was  forever  devoted  to  health  and  to  beauty.  Is  such 
a  spot  to  be  forever  doomed  to  an  ignominious  use,  and  to 
have  foul  ships  ever  in  its  sight,  and  fouler  creatures  ever 
crawling  over  it  ?  It  seems  as  if  the  very  air  we  breathe  is 
less  pure  than  once  we  inhaled  it.  We  have  much  to  boast  of 
in  Philadelphfa,  but  I  must  in  candor  admit  that  we  have  no 
Battery,  said  the  mayor. 

We  will  seat  ourselves  for  a  short  time  beneath  this  elm — it 
seems  a  venerable  occupant.  Do  you  see  the  loads  of  dirt, 
and  the  boats  with  mud  and  stone,  and  all  the  preparations  for 
transforming  this  spot  into  stores  and  hospitals,  and  sleeping- 
places  for  foreign  paupers  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  do  see  them  all,  said  Mr.  Conrad. 

The  State  is  called  upon  for  an  immediate  appropriation  of 
two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  to  support  the  horrid  creatures 
now  on  the  way  to  this  country  !  They  are  the  cleanings  of 
foreign  prisons  and  work-houses  !  Mr.  Conrad,  will  you  look 
toward  New  Jersey  ?  Now  toward  Staten  Island,  Now  to- 
ward the  water  immediately  around  us.  What  do  you  see? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  see  hundreds  of  vessels,  with  flags  of  all  nations  flying  in 
beauty  over  them.  I  see  steamboats  without  number,  all  full 
of  hfe — merry,  happy,  joyous  life,  I  see  islands  of  great 
beauty,  with  shady  trees  and  lovely  houses.  I  see  rural  scenes 
of  surpassing  loveliness,  said  the  mayor. 

Now  look  down  the  bay,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach.  You 
wrote  one  of  Forrest's  best  plays — the  reading  world  know 


374  DESPOTISM. 

that  you  are  a  poet.     Men  possessing  your  poetic  tempera- 
ment cannot  look  unmoved  on  such  a  scene,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

The  view  surpasses  all  others  that  I  ever  saw.  I  could 
wish  that  all  men  of  taste  were  here  to  enjoy  with  me  this 
scene  of  surpassing  beauty.  Can  any  enjoyment  surpass  if? 
What  country  can  claim  a  panorama  of  such  ever-changing, 
ever-charming  beauty  ?  See  those  immense  ships,  emblems  of 
the  great  country  and  its  boundless  trade — all  of  them  are 
carrying  food  to  starving  nations,  and  sustaining  a  half  fam- 
ished European  world.  With  us  all  is  peace  and  plenty,  but 
on  the  battle-fields  of  Catholic  Europe  are  assembled  untold 
thousands  of  ignorant,  abased  and  suifering  beings.  Tyrants 
have  trained  them  for  slaughter  and  for  vice.  Is  there  an 
American  who  is  willing  to  lose  forever  a  retreat  like  this, 
and  never  more  to  stroll  with  wife  and  children,  friends  and 
lovers,  on  the  banks  of  these  lovely  rivers  ?  asked  the  mayor. 

The  party  that  is  now  filling  the  city  with  terror,  we  think 
have  nearly  run  their  course,  and  we  look  for  a  new  and  im- 
proved condition,  under  wiser  and  better  men.  Who  is  to  be 
our  next  President  7  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

In  Philadelpliia,  we  are  all  looking  to  Live  Oak ;  it  was  our 
State,  you  know,  that  firt^t  nominated  liim ;  and  I  am,  for  one, 
determined  he  shall  be  elected.  There  is  no  such  man,  he  is 
a  just  emblem  of  your  great  city,  sitting  in  quiet  majesty,  and 
looking  down  on  all  around  you.  Such  a  city  should  give  to 
the  great  country,  one  Merchant  President,  said  the  Mayor. 

I  am  pleased  to  hear  you  speak  in  such  terms  of  our  best 
man.  Jackson  was  called  Hickory,  but  Mr.  Law  is  represen- 
ted by  the  Live  Oak,  the  most  valuable  tree  from  which  our 
large  vessels  are  constructed.  The  Elm  is  a  near  relation  of 
them  both,  and  we  will  summon  this  venerable  patriarch  to 
aid  us  by  its  revelations.  You  as  a  poet  will  enjoy  the  fic- 
tion   but  to  the  American  party  it  may  be  more  than  a  fie- 


DESPOTISM.  375 

tion  ;  the  moral  may  be  intelligible  to  them,  though  concealed 
from  the  dull  minds  of  stupid  politicians,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  admire  fiction — it  has  been  the  enjoyment  of  my  leisure 
hours ;  it  has  always  been  employed  to  embellish  the  lives  of 
great  men,  said  the  mayor. 

We  will  invest  this  Elm  with  life,  and  claim  its  testimony. 

What  have  you  seen  1  Were  you  an  Elm  when  the  In- 
dians sold  the  city  for  forty  dollars  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  was.  I  lived  before  the  Knickerbockers  came  from  Hol- 
land, said  the  Elm. 

I  address  you  now  as  an  honest  witness — you  are  not  an 
alderman  nor  a  judge  :  I  know  that  you  will  tell  the  truth. — 
As  bad  as  our  aldermen  are,  I  did  not  expect  that  they  would 
ever  desecrate  this  spot,  sacred  to  contemplation,  to  taste,  to 
love,  to  health,  to  beauty.  Were  you  the  venerable  occupant 
when  the  Indian  ranged  wild  in  the  woods,  and  were  the  lords 
of  all  they  surveyed  ?  I  want  an  honest  Knickerbocker  an- 
swer, said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  lived  in  early  days — the  Indian  war-whoop  was  familiar  to 
my  ear,  the  honest  Knickerbockers  were  my  early  friends.  For 
years,  I  saw  guns,  and  pistols,  swords,  and  pikes,  bristling  at 
my  feet.  I  saw  friends  and  foes  in  anger  meet.  The  clash  of 
arms,  the  sound  of  cannon,  boomed  over  these  lovely  rivers. 
I  looked  again  !  Oh,  it  was  a  sorry  sight !  Around  me  were 
gathered  a  foreign  band  ;  with  guns  and  pistols,  and  I  saw 
red-coats,  and  emblems  of  a  foreign  nation,  that  told  me  my 
country  was  in  danger.  Then  I  heard  of  distant  battles,  and 
fierce  contests,  and  scenes  of  blood,  and  of  the  dying  agonies 
of  freemen,  patriots,  and  noble  souls!  Dread  war  was  now 
again  approaching  !  The  trumpet  notes  called  all  to  arms, 
the  drums  were  beating,  and  soldiers  were  rushing  to  victory 
or  death.  Again  I  heard  the  sounds  of  battle,  the  clash  of 
arms,  the  roar  of  guns,  the  dying  groans  !     Bleeding  forms 


376  DESPOTISM. 

■were  strewed  around  me  !  The  conflict,  I  knew,  must  soon 
be  ended. 

Victory  declared  for  us  ! 

The  acclamations  of  four  millions  of  hearts,  went  up  to 
Heaven  ! 

All  foes  went  hence,  and  busy,  bustling,  men,  resumed 
their  quiet,  happy,  peaceful  avocations. 

I  saw  Washington  land  at  my  feet ! 

One  universal  shout  of  thanksgiving  went  up  from  every  heart, 
to  greet  a  country's  idol,  on  Freedom's  soil !  Sweet  scenes 
of  peace  succeeded,  and  war's  alarms  no  more  were  sounded 
over  our  beloved  country.  Americans  ruled,  and  we  were 
free  from  riot  and  confusion. 

The  bristling  guns,  the  fort,  the  battlements,  the  red-coats, 
and  all  of  War's  dread  implements,  invented  for  man's  destruc- 
tion, disappeared,  and  a  great  city  rose  to  greet  me  here. 
New  canals,  new  railroads,  new  aqueducts,  new  palaces,  built 
by  great  men,  and  by  Live  Oak,  new  arts,  new  sciences,  new 
energy,  new  life,  came  to  bless  us  on  this  soil.  In  Europe, 
the  sound  of  war,  the  din  of  battle,  was  heard  with  terror — 
the  burning  cities  spread  their  lurid  light,  and  a  great  military 
tyrant,  shot  like  a  comet  over  one  half  the  world,  and  freedom 
groaned,  and  died.  Ruled  by  Americans,  here,  all  smiled  in 
peace,  and  plenty,  wealth  and  glory.  Great  buildings,  great 
schools,  great  Americans,  Fill  mores,  and  Live  Oaks,  and  Don- 
elsons,  grew  in  peace  and  happiness,  and  all  smiled  to  see  our 
great  prosperity.  Men  of  wealth,  men  of  learning,  sweet  girls, 
and  sighing  lovers,  came  and  seated  themselves  under  my 
broad  arms,  and  all  were  happy.  The  Knickerbockers  have 
passed  away,  and  with  them,  half  our  early  virtues.  Recently 
there  came  foul  ships,  all  taint  and  filth,  from  awful  Catholic 
pollution,  sickness,  and  degradation ;  the  scenes  around  me 
now  are  changed  !  I  soon  must  yield  this  quiet  scene  of 
beauty  ;  none  on  earth  can  be  so  lovely  :   houses,  stores,   rail- 


DESPOTISM.  377 

roads,  now  claim  my  room — my  days,  I  know  are  numbered. 
In  deepest  sorrow,  I  looked  round  for  friends,  despair  was 
settling  on  my  heart ! 

One  man  I  saw,  for  virtue  nobly  contending — to  him  I  told 
the  story  of  my  wrongs.  This  man  raised  great  works,  to 
guide  upwards  his  fellow  men :  he  bore  his  country's  banners 
nobly,  he  was  a  true  American,  and  spread  over  freedom's 
soil,  the  virtues  that  most  we  needed.  All  good  men,  and 
great  men,  hailed  him  as  the  bright  emblem  of  the  great 
American  nation.  I  saw  him  for  my  life,  my  liberty,  my 
sacred  purpose,  boldly  contending.  He  said  a  spot  of  such 
surpassing  beauty,  with  such  venerable  occupants,  must  be 
spared  from  the  woodman's  ax.  Men  must  breathe — and  a 
love  of  beauty,  and  of  nature's  lovely  scenes,  is  a  part  of  life 
to  all  Americans,  and  improvement  and  desecration  to  this 
spot,  cannot  come  here,  he  said  ! 

Who  was  this  man  ?  He  oft  had  toiled  for  his  country's 
good,  I  knew  he  would  be  great !  I  will  pronounce  his  name  ! 
It  is  my  brother,  his  name  is  Live  Oak  ! 

Hickory  was  great,  but  Live  Oak  is  greater.  This  great 
and  happy  country  now  resounds,  in  tones  of  universal  eulogy, 
to  the  great,  the  good,  and  virtuous  Live  Oak,  said  the  Elm. 

But  tell  us  now  the  truth — is  Live  Oak  to  fill  the  highest 
place  in  this  great  nation  ?  You  certainly  are  more  commu- 
nicative and  more  honest  than  our  aldermen.  A  great  battle 
is  yet  to  be  fought,  of  which  you  have  told  us  nothing.  The 
whole  world  are  spectators,  and  we  wish  to  know  if  the  battle- 
field will  be  won  by  Union,  virtue,  truth  and  honesty  ?  You 
seem  an  oracle  of  truth,  and  we,  as  members  of  the  great 
American  nation,  ask  you  for  revelations.  You  know  that 
"nvisible  Sam  is  now  abroad,  and  seeking  information.  You 
are  as  good  an  oracle  as  ever  spoke  to  ancient  Catholic  nations. 
Now  address  yourself  to  Sara,  and  tell  us  all  you  know,  for 


378  DESPOTISM. 

we  will  yield  no  pre-eminence  to  ancient  nations  or  ancient  ora- 
cles, said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Witli  age  comes  wise  experience.  I  know  the  men  now 
most  needed  to  guide  the  country  upward.  I  will  reveal  the 
quulififutions  that,  more  than  all  others,  Live  Oak  possesses. 
J  shall  personify  his  virtues,  and  make  them  talk  in  my  oracu- 
lar language,  said  the  Elm. 

That  is  exactly  the  information  that  the  country  wants  ;  and 
the  Americans  wish  to  have  it  sustained  by  the  very  highest 
and  most  unquestionable  authority,  like  yours,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mr.  Conrad,  I  hope  you  will  fix  these  revelations  in  your 
memory,  and  convey  them  all  to  the  American  party  in  Penn- 
sylvania, said  Mrs   Cope. 

I  am  well  satisfied  that  more  than  one  oracle  has  pronounced 
in  favor  of  Live  Oak,  but  I  wish  to  hear  the  revelations  of  this 
Elm,  said. Mr.  Conrad. 

I  saw  sickness  and  sorrow  seated  at  my  feet. — What  land 
of  sorrow  have  you  left  ? — come  here  and  testify.  Pain  and 
sorrow  ai'e  written  in  your  face. — The  night  is  dark,  the  wind 
is  cold,  my  heart  in  secret  sorrow  now  is  bleeding.  I  have  no 
house,  I  have  no  food,  I  have  no  relatives  or  friends  !  I  wish 
to  die  and  end  my  sorrow  :  one  leap,  and  all  is  over  ! — A  form 
appeared,  all  manlike  grace  and  nobl-e  port. — Here  is  money 
for  your  relief !  For  shame  !  rouse  up  and  quit  the  scenes  of 
vice  by  wicked  aldermen  placed  around  you.  Look  up  to 
Heaven  !  A  Parent  lives  to  receive  thee,  when  life  here  is  well 
ended  ! 

"Who  was  this  man,  by  angels  sent  to  save  my  life,  and  point 
it  upwards  ? 

You  know  his  name — it  was  Live  Oak  ! 

I  summoned  Science  to  talk  with  me,  and  lend  her  aid  to  a 
great  nation. 

I  come,  said  Science,  and  with  me  bring  my  children  all — 
great  ships,  great  steamboats,  great  factories,  great  railroads 


379  DESPOTISM. 

and  great  discoveries.  One  of  these  will  unite  the  world  in 
daily  intercourse,  and  another  cures  all  of  nature's  sufferings. 

Give  me  the  name,  I  said,  of  him  to  whom  the  world  is  so 
deeply  indebted.     Is  it  Alexander,  Caesar,  or  Napoleon  ? 

Hated  names  !  Their  glory  was  of  war,  and  death,  and 
horrid  suffering,  on  all  the  world  by  them  inflicted  !  They  re- 
presented fiends  incarnate  ! 

Then  who  is  great  ?  I  asked. 

I  love  to  name  him.  He  is  ever  active  in  bis  country's 
cause.  All  great  schemes,  all  great  thoughts  by  genius  kin- 
dled, shed  a  glorious  light  over  all  created  things;  and  one 
man  is  ever  leading  upward  his  whole  country.  You  know 
his  name — it  is  Live  Oak. 

I  see  dense  masses  marching  to  conflict  and  to  death.  It  is 
the  battle-field  of  1856  and  1857.  They  come,  they  come,  in 
solid  column,  to  Passion's  horrid,  desolating  war  !  The  mar- 
tial notes  are  calling  all  to  arms.  The  banners  float,  the  drums 
are  sounding,  and  the  din  of  war  has  banished  peace  and  all 
its  quiet  joys.  See,  now  they  meet.  The  clash  of  arms,  the 
cannons  roar,  the  guns  with  guns,  and  life  with  life,  in  deadly 
conflict  now  are  sounding.  0,  see,  the  victims  fall.  Brother 
with  brother,  in  dying  masses,  now  are  mingled.  See  streams 
of  blood  from  hearts  of  noble  men  are  flowing  ! 

Peace,  peace,  I  say  !  No  more  of  war !  "Who  has  kindled 
these  horrid  passions  ?  Champions  of  North  and  South,  yield > 
I  say,  to  Union,  reason,  life  and  joy ! 

Who  is  this  man  ?     He  stills  the  contending  w^orld ! 

You  know  his  name — it  is  Live  Oak  ! 

A  sweet  face  appeared,  and  seated  himself  at  my  feet,  in 
pensive  mood.     It  was  a  boy  of  only  fourteen  summers. 

In  this  scene  of  quiet  beauty  I  will  meditate  on  things  to 
come,  and  form  noble  resolutions.  Who  was  the  author  of 
this  scene  that  so  elevates  the  thoughts  and  sends  the  soul 
bounding  in  joy  to  God  ?     Why  should  I  ask  ?     I  know,  and 


380  DESPOTISM. 

SO  does  all  the  world.  It  was  formed  by  a  good  Creator.  But 
tell  me,  sir,  for  you  are  an  American,  have  you  anything  for 
me  to  do  in  this  great  city  ?  I  must  make  a  fortune,  and  leave 
a  name  to  virtue  dear. 

Command  this  ship  !  Commence  where  all  have  commenced, 
and  work  up  to  the  cabin,  and  from  the  cabin  to  ownership, 
and  to  wealth  and  great  fame  !     You  shall  be  a  near  relation. 

Who  was  this  man,  by  whom  hundreds  were  raised  to  great 
wealth  and  eminence  ?   You  know  his  name — it  was  Live  Oak. 

I  summoned  history  to  talk  with  me,  and  tell  me  of  great 
names,  great  acts,  and  all  that  give  interest  to  life,  to  country, 
to  chivalry,  to  wealth  and  glory.  I  want  names  that  will  live 
to  a  great  country  dear,  when  I  am  gone,  and  the  cruel  axe  in 
the  hands  of  wicked  aldermen  has  laid  low  and  buried  in  ob- 
livion all  record  of  my  early  days,  my  romantic  history,  and 
my  later  years.     The  response  was  loud,  the  acclamation  long  ! 

My  record  is  of  one  great  name — you  need  not  ask — you 
know  it  is  Live  Oak. 

Spring  had  come.  The  morn  was  bright,  the  breeze  was 
balm.  Life  was  sporting  in  pleasure  all  around.  There  came 
near  me  a  form  all  loveliness,  a  face  all  beauty.  It  was  glo- 
rious to  look  on  such  a  brow.  Hope,  and  life,  and  intellect 
were  dancing  in  joy,  and  imagination  lent  its  thousand  mirrored 
pleasures  to  fill  a  heart  already  overflowing.  A  manly  form 
appeared.  A  plume  and  military  hat  is  borne  in  graceful  ac- 
tion. He  bows  and  seems  familiar  with  this  form  of  beauty. 
In  sweet  converse  hours  were  passed.  They  gazed  on  scenes 
that  roused  to  inspiration  hearts  of  deepest,  holiest  sympathies. 
This  man  was  his  country's  idol.  He  had  carried  her  banners 
to  glc)ry'8  heights,  and  placed  it  there  in  victory.  I  saw  a  kiss 
placed  on  beauty's  cheek.  A  thrill  of  bliss  united  forever  two 
hearts.  He  came  from  a  distant  state  to  claim  a  bride  to  emi- 
nence an  heir;  and  he  carried  from  sighing  lovers  a  greater 
trophy  than  he  had  won  on  battle  field. 


DESPOTISM.  381 

Who  was  the  parent  of  a  life  of  such  transcendent  loveli- 
ness ?     You  know  it  was  Live  Oak. 

I  saw  an  Eagle,  soaring  in  the  air.  Whence  comest  thou  ?  I 
asked. 

I  came  from  azure  spheres,  where  hope,  and  joy,  and  love, 
forever  reign.  I  came  to  bear  a  message  of  deep  import,  and 
a  name  of  great  eminence  from  worlds  above.  Look  on  this 
scroll  of  fame  !  My  talons  bear  it  to  the  Americans  in  the 
world  below.     You  can  read  the  name — it  is  Live  Oak. 

I  saw  a  storm  arise ;  the  ocean  was,  in  fury,  tossed  to  moun- 
tains, caverns,  and  awful  billows  !  I  saw  a  splendid  ship,  all 
full  of  life,  and  hope,  and  noble  souls  in  ice,  in  cold,  in  dreary 
regions,  in  mid  ocean,  in  life's  last  conflict  they  were  expiring. 
It  was  the  lost  boat  that  must  crush  the  hearts  of  hundreds 
Now  it  dashed  against  icebergs,  and  horrid  shrieks  were  heard, 
and  all  was  still.  Ooe  way  worn  mariner  was  saved  by 
miracle,  and  asked  for  aid  1  There  is  one  American  who 
always  gives  to  suffering  men  ;  and  to  him  I  shall  carry  you. 
I  need  not  ask,  for  I  know  his  heart,  in  sympathy,  is  bleeding. 

Who  is  this  man  ?     You  know  his  name — it  is  Live  Oak. 

I  saw  a  sweet  child  in  tears ;  her  eyes  were  black,  her  face 
was  Beauty's  mould.     Why  these  tears  ?  I  asked. 

I  once  had  parents,  friends,  and  brothers  :  wealth  smiled, 
and  all  were  happy.  My  father  died  a  victim  to  the  bad  influ- 
ences, placed  by  wicked  men  around  him.  My  mother  died 
with  broken  heart,  my  brothers  roamed  in  streets.  My  heart 
in  deepest  anguish  now  is  bleeding,  and  I  daily  pray  that  I 
may  die  1  But  tell  me,  sir,  if  I  will  sweep  your  street  in 
wintry  weather,  without  shoes,  will  you  give  me  one  cent  ? 

Come  here,  my  child  :  the  world,  to  you,  is  dark,  but  I  will 
conduct  you  where  hope  and  joy  to  thee  shall  come,  and 
remove  from  thy  young  heart,  a  load  of  sorrow.  In  this 
school,  you  shall  be  clothed  and  fed,  for  I  know  you  came 
from  my  Creator. 


382  DESPOTISM. 

Who  was  this  man  ?  You  know  his  name — it  was  Live 
Oak. 

At  my  feet  I  saw  a  poor  woman  selling  apples,  and  tears 
were  in  her  eyes.     Whence  earnest  thou  ?  I  asked. 

I  am  a  poor  Exile  of  Erin.  From  home,  from  parents, 
from  children,  here,  in  sorrow,  I  must  roam,  while  life  shall 
last!  The  aldermen  killed  my  weak  husband  ;  now  poverty, 
hunger,  sickness,  disappointment,  a  lingering  death,  is  all  that 
life  can  promise  !  I  wish  my  life  were  ended  !  But,  kind  sir, 
if  you  could  spare  me,  from  the  rich  store  that  God  has  given 
you,  one  or  two  cents,  each  day,  I  will  smile,  in  happiness,  on 
you  !  May  it  not  be  that  the  Author  of  our  being,  will  smile 
on  both  ? 

I  will  never  pass  you,  without  giving  the  cent  you  ask,  I 
will  rob  the  money  from  a  cherished  pleasure,  and  1  will  take 
my  chance  of  God's  approval. 

Who  was  this  man  ?  You  know  his  name,  it  was  Live  Oak. 

I  saw  beauty  in  poverty  neglected.  Is  there  a  scene  in  life 
more  painful  ?  I  saw  around  her  degrading  vices,  in  garb  of 
honest  men.  I  know  that  villains  are  nut  honest  men,  but  vice 
makes  villains  of  us  all. 

Then  who  shall  banish  vice,  and  make  men  honest,  just,  and 
true?  Thei'e^fs  one  who  soon  will  do  it!  You  know  his 
name,  it  is  Live  Oak. 

I  saw  a  poor  student  in  midnight  toil.  Why  this  lean  and 
haggard  look  ?  I  asked. 

I  wish  to  ascend  to  Eame's  proud  heights,  by  genius  led  ; 
but  I  am  poor,  and  work  by  day  in  menial  office.  I  called  on 
a  man  of  vast  wealth  and  high  position.  Will  you  loan  me  a 
small  sum,  that  now  I  gain  by  daily  labor  ? 

With  all  my  heart !  Here  it  is.  I  will  give  it  freely,  to  men 
like  you. 

Who  was  this  man  ?     You  know  his  name,  it  is  Live  Oak. 

I  saw  a  weeping  widow.  Thy  look  betokens  sorrow,  I  said. 


DESPOTISM.  3S3 

Say,  can  beauty  like  thine  be  neglected  in  this  world  of  wealth 
and  happiness  ? 

My  husband  young,  my  children  all,  my  wealth,  my  friends, 
are  gone,  and  left  my  heart,  in  sorrow  bleeding.  Now,  to 
sickness,  to  despondency,  to  early  death,  I  am  rapidly  descend- 
ing. Oh,  if  I  had  one  friend  to  soothe  my  sinking  heart,  I 
would  look  up  in  joy  ! 

I  will  be  that  friend  !  My  business  is  to  lighten  sorrow. 
Who  was  this  man  ?     You  know  his  name — it  was  Live  Oak. 

Do  you  hear  music  ?  It  is  an  organ,  and  is  now  approaching. 

Tell  me,  woman,  why  you  ever  grind  such  sounds,  from 
that  chest  of  drawers  ?  You  were  handsome,  once,  but  care 
has  marked  that  brow. 

I  will  tell  you,  sir :  I  am  alone  in  this  cruel  world  !  Once, 
in  the  peaceful  scenes  of  Tyrol,  where  birds  were  singing, 
where  the  air  was  fragrance,  and  where  rural  life  to  all  was 
was  lovely,  I  lived  in  innocence  ;  with  parents,  brothers,  sis- 
ters, and  dear  friends,  and  all  were  happy.  Lured  by  a 
wretch,  I  left  my  happy  home,  and  came,  a  wanderer  here. 
My  mother  died  in  gtief,  my  father  lives,  to  upbraid  me.  To 
darkness,  to  despair,  to  deepest  destitution,  my  hfe  is  now  for- 
ever doomed.  I  have  no  food,  my  clothes  are  worn,  and  I  am 
cold  and  hungry.  But,  kind  sir,  I  know  you  have  a  heart  of 
sympathy  for  suffering  creatures ;  if  you  will  give  me  a  trifle,  I 
will  sing  you  a  song,  that  I  know  will  touch  your  heart,  for  it 
will  come  from  one  in  sorrow  bleeding. 

Here  is  the  money,  and  you  shall  always  have  a  share 
of  the  ample  store  that  Providence  has,  in  goodness, 
showered  on  me. 

Who  was  this  man  ?     You  know  his  name — it  is  Live  Oak 

Imagination  soars  to  worlds,  where  fields  are  green  :  where 
life  is  love,  where  joy  forever  reigns,  where  intellect  exists, 
without  the  mortal  tenement.     Here  we  are  waiting,   angels 


384  DESPOTISM. 

Bay,  for  a  mind  congenial,  when  life's  duties  all  are  passed 
away ;  for  his  country  and  his  God,  he  is  now  contending ;  an 
angel  will  bear  his  spirit  up  to  Heaven.  If  all  these  virtues 
shall  ever  shine  on  man,  the  great  Americans  will  close  their 
mission.  You  know  their  name,  they  are  all  who  claim  the 
virtues.  All  know  the  emblems  of  American  virtues,  Law, 
Fillmore  and  Donelson.  The  great  country  all  give  ear  to  my 
oracle  !  Thirty  milllions  !  Attention  all !  Let  these  words 
sink  deep  in  American  hearts,  all  honest,  true,  and  faithful.  I 
feel  the  ax  held  by  sacrilegious  hands,  now,  striking  at  my 
heart !  Why  is  man  ungrateful  ?  I  now  must  die  !  My 
heart,  in  its  last  agony  is  bleeding.  With  my  last  breath,  I 
utter  this,  my  oracle  ! 

Elect  Live  Oak  or  Fillmore  president,  and  peace  and  plenty, 
shall  ever  smile  upon  you,  said  the  Elm. 

Mr.  Conrad,  you  have  heard  the  Oracle  speak  to  the  whole 
American  Nation,  do  you  doubt  the  truth  that  it  has  uttered  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  do  not,  and  if  Mr.  Fillmore,  or  Mr.  Law,  is  not  elected, 
it  will  be  the  fault  of  the  Americana,  and  not  of  the  Oracle.  I 
have  often  read  of  oracles,  but  I  never  heard  one  till  the  pre- 
sent time:  I  will  convey  this  important  communication 
to  all  the  Americans  in  Pennsylvania,  and  I  am  certain  the 
American  candidate  will  have  the  vote  of  our  State,  said  Mr. 
Conrad. 

I  need  not  tell  you,  Mr.  Conrad,  that  my  flights  have  the 
appearance  of  fiction,  but  I  am  at  work  for  the  great  Ameri- 
can party,  and  the  Elm  is  as  good  an  oracle  as  Homer.  His 
hero  invaded  Troy  with  an  army  concealed  in  a  wooden 
horse.  I  do  not  aspire  to  Homer's  fame,  but  I  will  lead  a 
greater  army,  and  in  the  Presidential  battle-field,  I  will  fight 
and  conquer,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  admire  works  of  genius:  and  fiction  was  never  so   nobly 


DESPOTISM,  385 

employed,  as  when  it  serves  the  cause  of  virtue,  and  union, 
and  perpetuates  the  boundless  blessings  of  our  glorious 
country,  I  am  sore  the  Americans  will  listen  to  such  truth- 
ful oracles,  said  Mr.  Conrad,  as  he  bid  Mrs.  Cope  adieu  at  the 
Astor  House. 


•17 


386  DESPOTISM 


CHAPTEE    XIV. 


DESPONDENCY, 

But  can  the  wiles  of  Art,  the  grasp  of  Power, 
Snatch  the  rich  relics  of  a  well-spent  hour  ? 
These,  when  the  trembling  spirit  wings  her  flight, 
Pour  round  her  path  a  stream  of  living  light  ; 
And  gild  those  pure  and  perfect  realms  of  rest, 
Where  Virtue  triumphs,  and  her  Bons  are  blest  I 

Rogers. 

There  is  now  living  in  one  of  the  most  literary  cities  of 
New  England,  a  fomily  named  Beekman,  claiming  a  descent 
from  the  Puritans  who  came  to  Plymouth  in  the  Mayflower. 
Many  articles  imported  by  the  family,  and  consecrated  by  time 
and  by  early  suflferings,  are  yet  retained  by  their  descendants. 
This  family  have  all  the  virtues  and  all  the  austerities  of  their 
pious  ancestors.  They  seem  to  have  improved  by  transplant- 
ing; and  all  who  know  them  acknowledge  their  high  claim  to 
all  the  virtues.  The  orthodox  churches  were  the  only  cradles 
in  which  the  eminent  piety  of  such  persons  could  be  nurtured. 
In  a  church  of  this  sound  puritanical  faith,  the  two  daughters 
and  two  sons  were  reared. 

The   younger    daughter  was   not   regarded    as   a   perfect 


DESPOTISM.  387 

"beauty,  but  all  acknowledged  her  claim  to  superior  loveliness. 
She  was  highly  intellectual.  Her  vivacity  enlivened,  her  wit 
charmed,  and  she  was  the  delight  of  a  large  circle.  She  sung 
with  taste,  and  danced,  and  conversed  with  the  grace  of  the 
most  brilliant  and  the  most  fascinating.  Suitors  came  around 
her.  They  were  all  promptly  rejected.  New  aspirants  sought 
for  introduction,  but  they  were  all  rejected  without  considera- 
tion. What  can  this  mean  ?  Is  she  going  to  join  the  Catho- 
lics, and  bury  herself  in  a  nunnery  ?  was  the  inquiry  of  the 
numerous  disappointed  lovers.  She  is  too  sensible,  was  the 
reply  of  all. 

She  visited  distant  States.  For  a  short  time  she  was  a  vis- 
itor in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York,  where  her  reputation 
had  preceded  her,  and  even  here  she  was  the  attraction  of  an 
extended  circle.  All  were  crowding  to  see  the  luminary  that 
had  appeared  in  a  new  constellation.  The  rush  was  constantly 
increasing — it  seemed  almost  an  avalanche — nearly  half  the 
residents  of  the  Avenue  were  calling  on  her.  There  came 
around  her  men  of  wealth,  of  education,  of  courtly  manners, 
and  men  of  eminent  talents.  Some  came  from  a  distance  to 
see  so  great  a  belle.  I  never  heard  such  music  !  She  inspires 
all  with  one  sentiment.  She  is  the  impersonation  of  the  qual- 
ities that  the  world  most  values — intellect,  taste,  vivacity, 
beauty,  musical  genius.  I  cannot  feel  indifferent  to  such 
claims,  were  the  remarks  of  all  who  saw  her. 

I  have  done  my  best,  but  I  have  seen  no  evidences  of  affec- 
tion, and  now  I  am  off.  To  be  thus  treated  is  very  mortify- 
ing, but  she  shall  never  know  the  wound  that  she  has  inflicted  ; 
I  will  look  out  and  not  be  thus  treated  by  any  other  coquette, 
said  Mr.  F. 

She  has  no  heart !  Not  a  single  person  has  made  the  least 
impression !  She  positively  refuses  all.  What  can  this 
strange  conduct  seem  to  indicate  ?  She  is  a  perfect  iceberg, 
said  Mr.  S. 


388  DESPOTISM. 

I  must  have  my  freedom — I  can  wear  no  chains.  You  may 
flutter  around  me  as  much  as  you  please,  you  will  not  catch 
me ;  you  will  be  a  lame  duck,  said  Kate  to  all. 

The  chains  of  love  are  silken  chains — the  married  ladies  all 
say  so,  said  Mr.  P. 

Then  they  may  wear  them,  for  I  will  not !  I  cannot  give 
up  my  empire.  Here  I  reign  supreme — the  world  of  love  is 
all  my  own.  O,  it  is  glorious  to  see  proud  men  bowing  and 
worshiping  at  my  shrine  !  I  do  wonder  if  it  will  always  be 
so  ?  asked  Kate  Beekman. 

At  this  she  paused. 

Some  time  now  has  passed  since  men  came  sighing  here.  I 
do  believe  the  young  men  are  growing  more  sensible.  But  I 
am  free  !  I  have  now  had  time  for  cool  reflection,  and  wise 
experience.  There  was  one  that  I  did  not  positively  dislike. 
I  do  think  I  have  seen  one,  one  single  person  whom  I  could 
love,  but  I  never  told  my  heart,  and  I  am  sure  he  does  not 
know  it.  He  has  gone  now,  and  I  do  not  know  where  he  is. 
Perhaps  he  is  married  !  Well,  let  him  go — my  heart  is  quite 
easy,  said  Kate. 

I  will  try  again,  said  one  of  the  disappointed  suitors.  Girls 
do  sometimes  change  their  minds — perhaps  Kate  may. 

This  lover  certainly  was  a  young  man  whom  all  should  like. 
He  had  good  sense,  and  a  superior  education.  He  sang, 
danced,  conversed,  played  on  musical  instruments,  and  cer- 
tainly was  very  fascinating. 

I  think  I  shall  succeed  !  I  will  do  my  best.  It  is  of  vast 
importance  that  I  should  please,  and  I  will  exert  all  my  genius. 
My  chance  now  certainly  seems  to  be  improving  !  Can  it  be 
that  she  is  coquetting  ?  I  have  never  told  my  hopes  or  fears 
to  any  one.  I  have  done  my  best,  and  it  is  of  no  use  to  ask 
questions.  Now  I  am  sure  I  shall  succeed — my  prospects  are 
much  brighter!     But  if  she  should   refuse    a    second  time  I 


DESPOTISM.  3S9 

Here  is  life  or  death  !  I  will  come  out  and  tell  her  of  the 
singular  sensations  that  now  afflict  me  ! 

"  I  am  accepted  !"  was  the  postscript  of  a  letter  written  by 
Augustus  to  his  brother.  Some  rejected  suiters  were  in  deep 
affliction. 

I  was  never  refused  before — I  never  shall  be  again,  I  am 
sure  of  that,  said  Mr.  B. 

I  must  admit  that  she  was  a  girl  of  extraordinary  fascina- 
tion ;  but  now  she  is  to  be  married,  and  bid  adieu  to  her  nu- 
merous admirers,  said  Mr.  M. 

The  wedding-day  was  appointed,  the  invitations  were  dis- 
tributed, and  many  were  sent  to  distant  cities.  The  fashion- 
able world  were  waiting  with  more  than  usual  anxiety  for  the 
important  event. 

The  day  arrived,  and  the  coaches  of  the  highest  circles  were 
crowding  on  each  other.  Who  ever  saw  a  bride  more  lovely? 
was  the  exclamation  of  all  who  saw  her. 

Kate  Beekman  and  Augustus  Bayard  received  the  con- 
gratulations of  their  numerous  friends  ;  and  a  more  brilliant 
circle  of  taste,  fashion,  wealth  and  beauty,  has  not  often  been 
seen  in  our  wealthy  city. 

Augustus  was  the  recipient  of  the  affections  of  a  w^arm" 
heart ;  and  he  gave  in  return  the  energy  of  a  brilliant  intel- 
lect, that  was  destined  to  elevate  them  to  the  highest  eminence 
in  the  exclusive  circles  of  this  great  metropolis.  This  was 
some  years  ago.  The  gay  world  made  its  demands,  and  they 
were  responded  to.  Parties,  balls,  and  fashionable  life  en- 
grossed for  a  time  all  the  thoughts  of  the  happy  couple.  Au- 
gustus was  a  merchant,  but  his  education  was  surpassed  by 
none.  He  was  familiar  with  every  author  of  eminence;  he 
could  recite  poetry  from  all  the  living  poets,  and  for  nothing 
ancient  had  he  any  respect.  Books,  music,  brilliant  conversa- 
tion, receiving  and  making  calls,  filled  their  whole  time,  and 
hfe  to  none  could  be  more  crowded  with  enjoyment.     Wealth 


300  DESPOTISM. 

poured  its  rich  stores  into  the  coffers  of  Mr.  Bayard.  Ilis  in- 
vestments in  all  tilings  doubled  in  value.  A  coach,  and  a  cor- 
responding display  were  the  rewards  of  talents  judiciously 
applied.  Their  house  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  was  surpassed  by 
few  even  of  the  oldest  and  richest  families.  The  merchants  of 
the  Avenue  were  the  most  eminent  ft)r  wealth  and  talent,  and 
with  them  Mr  and  Mrs.  Bayard  were  most  disposed  to  culti- 
vate an  unreserved  interchange  of  familiar  visits. 

The  names  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bayard  were  spoken  of  with 
the  highest  respect  by  all  with  whom  they  associated.  Among 
other  families  of  the  highest  standing  Mrs.  Bayard  visited 
Mrs.  Phelps,  Mrs.  Brevoort,  Mrs.  Rhinelander,  Mrs.  Hoff- 
man, Mrs.  Cooley,  and  all  who  occupied  the  most  elevated 
position  in  the  exclusive  circles. 

Mrs.  M.,  a  resident  of  the  Fifth  Avenue,  called  one  morn- 
ing on  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mrs.  M.,  I  have  just  called  on  Mrs.  Bayard,  a  lady  of  great 
personal  attractions,  and  a  resident  of  the  Avenue.  I  think 
she  possesses  every  quality  that  can  add  charms  to  social  life. 
On  what  can  the  ej'e  rest  with  more  pleasure  than  on  scenes 
of  matrimonial  happiness  ?  What  sight  can  surpass  in  interest 
the  happy  home  of  those  we  love?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

None,  I  am  sure,  said  Mrs.  M. 

Mrs.  Bayard's  house  is  the  centre  of  a  gay  circle  of  our  most 
intellectual  persons — our  best  society  are  her  constant  visitors. 
At  her  house  are  music,  poetry,  novels,  all  that  can  interest 
the  most  intellectual  of  both  sexes.  There  is  aKvays  to  be 
found  a  refined  circle  that  nowhere  can  be  surpassed;  you 
may  seek  admission  to  her  house,  but  to  all  who  apply  it  is 
not  open.  Your  talents  must  be  elevated,  you  must  claim 
pure  morals,  refined  manners,  propriety  of  conduct;  all  your 
qualifications  must  be  investigated,  if  you  would  be  admitted  ; 
any  lady  who  has  not  all  of  these,  need  not  seek  admission  to 
her  house,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 


DESPOTISM.  39 1 

Your  picture  of  Mrs.  Bayard  has  charmed  me;  but  are  you 
sure  it  is  fairly  drawn?  I  did  not  know  that  we  had  such  a 
person  in  this  avenue.  I  must  learn  more  of  this  lady,  for 
whom  you  seem  so  deeply  interested.  Do  you  invite  nil  the 
new  residents  of  this  avenue  to  your  house?  asked  Mrs.  M. 

I  do  not  know  all  the  residents  of  this  avenue.  I  invite  to 
my  house  all  with  whom  I  am  acquainted,  and  all  for  whom  1 
have  the  highest  respect,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  do  not.  I  invite  no  lady  to  my  house  till  I  know  the 
value  of  her  husband's  property,  and  her  own  position  in  the 
social  world.  Suppose  Barnum,  or  Perham,  or  Brandreth, 
and  their  class,  should  move  into  this  avenue,  do  you  think  I 
would  call  on  their  wives  ?  asked  Mrs.  M. 

Many  streets  have  worse  men  than  they  are.  Respecta- 
bility depends  en  conduct,  and  not  on  the  pursuits  of  life.  I 
do  not  expect  all  with  whom  I  associate  to  have  Mrs.  Bayard's 
claim  to  respect ;  she  is  among  the  few  whom  all  wish  to 
honor ;  her  class  of  ladies  are  unyielding  in  their  claims  to  all 
the  qualities  in  their  intimate  friends  that  they  themselves  pos- 
sess. Your  credentials  may  admit  you  to  the  society  of  other 
streets,  but  here,  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  and  at  Mrs.  Bayard's, 
you  cannot  enter  without  the  very  highest  qualifications,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  shall  knov/  more  of  Mrs.  Bayard  before  I  call  on  her.  Do 
Mrs.  McElrath,  Mrs.  Taylor,  Mrs.  Brevoort,  Mrs.  Cooledge, 
Mrs.  Bancroft,  Mrs.  Cooley,  and  Mrs.  Wheeler  call  on  her? 
I  have  been  an  occupant  of  this  avenue  for  ten  years,  and  I 
shall  not  lower  my  dignity  by  calling  on  any  new  aspirant  till 
I  know  something  of  their  origin.  I  want  no  Puritan  psalm- 
singers  in  my  house.  My  husband  acquired  his  wealth  by  his 
profession;  he  never  delved  in  the  counting-house;  he  has 
been  wealthy  for  ten  years ;  and  it  becomes  us  to  be  particu- 
lar in  receiving  new  friends  to  a  perft^ct  equality  with  us.  We 
claim  some  consideration   in  this   avenue ;  the   style  that  we 


392  DEspoTisisr. 

support,  we  mean  shall  be  surpassed  by  none.  "We  removed 
from  Union  Square  for  a  more  exclusive  atmosphere,  and  we 
do  not  wish  to  have  it  tainted  by  any  plebeian  smells.  "We 
are  already  annoyed  by  Mr.  H. ,  the  sausage-maker — do  you 
tliink  I  would  call  on  his  wife  ?  There  is  Mr.  D.,  who  sold 
beer  by  the  glass — do  you  think  I  shall  call  on  his  wife  ?  My 
cliildren  will  soon  go  into  company.  Do  you  think  I  shall 
allow  them  to  visit  in  the  same  circles  with  Mrs.  H.  and  Mrs. 
D.,  and  their  uncouth  husbands,  and  their  vulgar  children  ? 

Mrs.  M.,  you  seem  to  have  taken  oflfence  at  some  remark  of 
mine ;  I  did  not  intend  to  convey  the  impression  that  you 
would  be  rejected  if  you  called  on  Mrs.  Bayard — of  that  I 
know  nothing;  but  I  do  say  that  many  ladies  of  more  than 
your  wealth  have  been  refused  admission  to  Mrs.  Bayard's 
house,  and  I  have  no  doubt  many  more  will  be.  As  high  as 
you  stand,  there  are  those  who  in  all  that  belongs  to  the  most 
dignified  and  elevated  society,  are  infinitely  above  you.  I 
have  no  desire  to  give  you  offence,  but  I  do  not  think  the  world 
will  give  you  credit  for  the  highest  intellectual  endowments. 
At  Mrs.  Bayard's  I  meet  ladies  of  distinction,  and  men  of  high 
position  from  distant  States;  statesmen,  lawyers,  retired  mer- 
chants of  great  wealth,  distinguished  foreigners,  all  men  of  high 
literary  claims,  and  ladies  of  great  beauty,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Well,  do  you  mean  to  intimate  that  I  have  none  of  these 
qualities?  asked  Mrs.  M. 

Not  at  all.  I  am  stating  the  qualities  that  they  possess  who 
obtain  admission  to  Mrs.  Bayard's  house.  Genius,  wit,  re- 
finement, taste,  elegant  manners,  all  that  can  give  dignity  to 
high  position,  are  the  claims  that  she  makes;  and  with  indi- 
viduals, and  with  the  circles  that  claim  these  qualities,  Mrs. 
Bayard's  circle  is  constantly  enlarging,  said  Mrs.  Phelps,  as 
Mrs.  M.  withdrew. 

A  few  days  after  this  interview,  Mrs.  M.  called  on  Mrs. 
Brevoort. 


DESrOTlSM.  S93 

Mrs.  Brevoort,  have  you  called  on  Mrs.  Bayard  ?  She  is 
one  of  the  recent  arrivals  in  this  avenue,  said  Mrs.  M. 

I  have,  and  I  shall  call  often.  I  am  told  that  she  possesses 
every  quality  that  the  world  admires.  She  has  wealth,  talents, 
and  retined  manner,  said  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

You  think  so,  do  you?  She  has  not  a  single  quality  to  re- 
commend her  to  the  upper  circles  in  this  avenue.  She  has  no 
respectability  ;  who  knows  any  of  her  ancestors?  She  has  no 
wealth,  and  never  had.  Her  husband  lives  for  five  or  six 
thousand,  and  my  husband  spends  twice  as  much  every  year  ! 
She  is  aspiring  to  honors  that  she  will  never  receive  in  this 
avenue,  while  I  am  here.  Mrs.  Phelps  is  trying  to  introduce 
her,  but  she  had  better  wait  till  she  reaches  the  best  circles 
herself,  before  she  attempts  to  elevate  others,  said  Mrs.  M. 

I  am  surprised  to  hear  you  speak  in  such  terms  of  Mrs. 
Bayard.  1  did  think  she  had  an  undisputed  claim  to  our  high- 
est honors  ; — you,  of  course,  do  not  intend  to  call  on  her,  said 
Mrs.  Brevoort. 

Call  on  her  !  I  would  not  speak  to  her  if  I  met  her  at  Mrs. 
"Whitney's  !  This  is  not  all.  I  will  show  her  who  she  is.  If 
I  meet  her  at  any  house  where  I  call,  I  will  turn  my  back,  and 
on  no  condition  will  I  ever  speak  to  her.  She  has  come  here 
from  some  obscure  place,  no  one  but  Mrs.  Phelps  knows 
where,  and  no  other  lady  in  the  avenue  will  ever  know  her, 
said  Mrs.  M. 

Mrs.  M.,  I  know  Mrs.  Bayard  and  her  husband,  and  I 
know  her  parents  and  all  her  connections,  and  I  know  them  to 
be  entitled  to  all  the  respect  that  our  highest  circles  can  pay 
them.  I  shall  regard  such  remarks  as  personal,  and  I  shall  re- 
sent them  as  such,  said  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

Mrs.  Brevoort,  I  do  not  care  what  you  resent ;  I  shall  say 
what  I  please,  and  my  remarks  may  offend  you,  or  Mrs.  Ba- 
yard, or  Mr.  II.,  or  Mr.  D.     I  care  not,  said  Mrs.  M. 

Mrs.  M.,  this  avenue  has  had  trouble  enough  of  your  mak- 
17* 


394  DESPOTISM. 

ing,  and  it  is  time  for  ladies  of  independence  to  speak  their 
mind,  and  I  shall  do  it.  You  have  lampooned  every  lady  in 
the  avenue,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  who  meet  you  to 
abuse  all  others.  Your  husband  has  always  sold  pills,  and 
spent  his  money  as  fast  as  be  made  it.  His  father  availed 
himself  of  an  infamous  law,  and  paid  not  one  dollar  of  his  bor- 
rowed money  to  his  best  friends,  who  are  now  in  abject  pov- 
erty. You  boxed  up  the  nostrums  that  have  shortened  the 
days  of  many  a  victim,  and  now  you  pretend  to  be  at  the  head 
of  the  aristocracy  of  this  avenue.  If  you  knew  the  feeling  of 
profound  contempt  that  respectable  people  entertain  for  you 
all,  you  would  be  more  modest  in  your  pretensions.  You 
know  that  you  have  been  guilty  of  defaming  one  of  the  most 
amiable  ladies  that  ever  occupied  a  house  in  this  avenue,  or 
any  other.  The  tales  of  scandal  that  you  started  were  circu- 
lated by  every  tongue,  and  an  editor,  as  vile  as  you  are,  gave 
to  that  infamous  falsehood  a  currency  that  no  tale  of  scandal 
ever  before  received.  You  need  not  deny  this,  for  you  know 
it  is  true,  said  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

I  know  the  story  to  which  you  allude,  but  I  did  not  start  it, 
nor  did  I  give  it  any  more  circulation  than  you  and  others 
gave  it.  I  believed  it  true,  and  so  did  others ;  and  I  do  not 
now  know  that  it  was  not  true,  said  Mrs.  M. 

You  do  know  that  it  is  not  true,  and  you  are  guilty  of 
gross  injustice  to  Mrs.  W.  in  saying  you  do  not  know  that  it 
is  not  true.  Before  you  gave  currency  to  such  defamation, 
you  sliould  have  learned  the  truth  or  the  falsehood  of  a  report 
so  vile.  The  injury  that  you  inflicted  on  Mrs.  AV.  can  never 
be  washed  out.  No  individual  in  tliis  avenue  has  ever  com- 
mitted an  act  that  could  bring  a  blush  upon  the  cheek  of  any 
lady ;  the  circulation  of  that  report  was  an  insult  to  the  feel- 
ings of  every  resident  of  the  avenue,  and  they  will  intlict  upon 
you  their  deepest  indignation  !  A  more  amiable  lady  in  all 
the  relations  of  life  than  Mrs.  W.  does  not  live,  and  you  know 


DESPOTISM.  395 

It  ]  slie  IS  one  of  the  most  open-hearted  and  truly  amiable  la- 
dles with  whom  I  ever  associated  :  if  any  one  lady  could  claim 
all  the  virtues,  she  is  that  person.  The  falsehoods  that  you 
and  others  circulated  have  broken  her  heart,  and  she  will,  I 
firmly  believe,  die  a  victim  to  your  wickedness,  said  Mrs.  Bre- 
voort. 

"Why  does  not  some  person  insert  a  contradiction  of  the  re- 
port in  the  same  paper  that  gave  it  currency  ?  asked  ^Irs.  M. 

To  do  so  would  be  but  affirming  the  scandal.  One  class  of 
readers  would  herald  that  paragraph  as  the  sure  evidence  of 
the  crime  that  it  purported  to  contradict.  The  editor  of  the 
paper  who  first  ins-erted  that  falsehood  should  be  marched 
from  the  city,  followed  by  every  virtuous  lady  in  it;  and  you 
will  excuse  me,  Mrs.  M.,  I  should  not  object  to  see  you 
arm-and-arm  v/ith  that  man,  said  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

You  are  very  severe,  Mrs.  Brevoort,  said  Mrs.  M. 

I  mean  to  be  severe.  I  have  given  my  opinion  of  you  aad 
of  your  conduct,  and  you  may  make  any  use  of  it  that  you 
please.  If  you  were  out  of  this  avenue,  there  would  not  be  a 
person  in  it  with  whom  the  most  virtuous  might  not  associate, 
said  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

Mrs.  M.  was  slightly  excited,  and  walked  from  the  parlor 
without  the  usual  adieu. 

A  few  days  after  Mrs.  Phelps's  coach  was  seen  at  Mrs. 
Bayard^s  door. 

]\Irs.  Bayiird,  I  hope  you  will  excuse  this  early  call;  my 
long  acquaintance,  and  allow  me  to  say,  my  high  regard  for 
vou,  must  be  my  apology.  I  shall  call  often,  and  1  ask  for 
admission  to  your  house  as  I  would  wish  to  be  admitted  to 
that  of  a  near  relative.  Shall  I  be  indulged  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

Mrs.  Phelps,  I  am  pleased  to  see  you;  I  thank  you  for 
your  familiar  call,  and  I  do  hope  you  will  always,  in  your 
intercourse  vvitli  me,  discard  the  ceremony  of  formal  calls,  and 


396  D  E  s  r  o  T  1  s  iiT . 

enable  us  to  enjoy  the  higher  pleasure  of  unreserved  friend- 
ship. I  enjoy  familiar  calls,  free  conversation,  evening  par- 
ties, and  all  that  gives  to  life  its  purest  enjoyments.  I  shall 
depend  on  seeing  you  often,  said  Mrs.  Bayard 

Has  Mrs.  M.  called  on  you  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelpa. 

She  has  not ;  and  from  some  remarks  that  have  been  mad© 
to  me,  I  shall  feel  no  regret  if  she  never  calls,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

She  called  on  me  recently,  and  in  conversation  I  spoke  of 
your  high  position,  and  your  requirements  af  those  who  visited 
you ;  and  would  you  believe  it,  she  was  otfended,  and  seemed 
to  think  that  all  I  said  in  your  favor  was  so  much  deducted 
from  her  own  eminent  qualifications !  She  asked  me  if  I 
thought  she  had  not  merit  enough  to  gain  admfesion  to  your 
house,  or  any  other  in  this  city?  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  hope  you  said  nothing  to  offend  her  ladyship.  I  wish  to 
stand  well  with  all  in  this  avenue,  said  ^Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  M.  may  visit  whom  she  pleases — I  only  hope  she  wili 
not  call  on  me  again  ;  but  if  she  does,  I  certainly  shall  not  re- 
turn the  call,  and  if  I  meet  her  in  company  I  shall  certaioly 
be  very  reserved.  In  this  avenue  we  enjoy  some  privileges 
that  other  streets  do  not  claim.  If  ladies  cannot  conduct 
themselves  with  rigid  propriety,  we  will  expel  them  with  in- 
dignation. No  lady  of  doubtful  character  shall  find  a  resting- 
place  here.  Have  you  heard  of  the  death  of  Mr.  S.,  and  the 
destitute  condition  of  the  family  ?  I  must  send  a  line  to  Mrs. 
Cope  this  day ;  you  know  she  is  like  the  spirit  of  Mercy,  go- 
ing from  house  to  house,  relieving  the  sick  and  desponding, 
said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  know  ^Irs.  S.  has  returned  from  Europe,  and  I  know-  the 
remains  of  Mr.  S.  have  been  received  at  No.  —  Twenty-stcond 
Street,  and  followed  by  the  family  to  the  tomb,  said  Mrs. 
Bayard,  as  Mrs.  Phelps  withdrew. 

Mrs.  Phelps  called  on  Mrs.  Cope,  and  gave  her  infonnatioB 
of  the  return  of  Mrs.  S.  and  the  painful  condition  to  which  the 


DESPOTISM.  397 

family  was  reduced.  Mr.  Cope  returned  in  the  evening,  and 
the  condition  of  Mrs.  S.  and  her  interesting  family  was  dis- 
cussed. 

James,  you  know  I  am  a  distant  relative  of  Mrs.  S.  by  mar- 
riage, said  Mrs.  Cepe. 

You  should  certainly  call  on  her.  You  always  spoke  of 
Mrs.  S.  as  a  lady  for  whom  you  entertained  the  highest  re- 
gard, said  Mr.  Cope. 

You  know  that  I  have  never  censured  Mrs.  S.,  even  when 
my  own  sex  were  pouring  out  a  torrent  of  their  denunciations. 
I  shall  call  on  her  as  I  would  on  a  sister  ;  I  will  not  follow 
the  multitude,  to  the  scandal  of  my  own  sex.  I  will  order  the 
coach  early  to-morrow,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

The  next  morning  Mrs.  Cope's  carriage  was  seen  standing 
at  the  door  of  No.  —  Twenty-second  Street. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  thank  you  for  this  call. 

For  some  minutes  Mrs.  S.  could  say  no  more. 

Perhaps  I  should  have  delayed  my  call,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

You  could  not  call  too  early.  I  cannot  tell  you  how  much 
I  thank  you.  *  *  *  I  returned  from  Europe  but  last  week. 
You  know  my  husband  departed  this  life  in  Italy,  said  Mrs.  S. 

I  have  called,  Mrs.  S.,  to  ofier  you  all  the  consolation  that 
I  can  give  you.  If  to  tell  you  that  my  heart  sympathizes  with 
you  is  a  consolation,  then  you  will  accept  the  offering  that  I 
came  to  make.  I  have  known  you  for  years ;  and  the  tongue 
of  slander  never  uttered  your  name  till  Mr.  S.  lost  his  fortune. 
Many  ladies  who  have  always  associated  with  you  have  said, 
that  if  any  one  lady  more  than  most  others  could  claim  the 
virtues  that  all  respect,  you  were  that  person.  I  cannot  but 
feel  for  your  sufferings.  I  know  that  nothing  on  earth  can 
restore  peace  to  your  crushed  heart.  Your  husband  is  gone 
from  you ;  the  altar  of  the  heart  is  desolate,  and  the  cold  wind 
of  neglect  will  chill  it  with  despair.  Do  not,  ]\Irs.  S.,  I  beg 
of  you,  do  not  yield  to  any  feeling.     I  came  to  console  you; 


393  DESPOTISM. 

I  could  not  inflict  one  pang  on  a  heart  already  crushed  to  the 
earth.  I  would  raise  and  sustain  it,  and  bring  you  and  your 
beloved  family  back  to  the  happiness  that  you  once  enjoyed, 
Baid  Mrs.  Cope. 

For  some  minutes,  Mrs.  S.  did  not  speak — her  deep  suffer- 
ing was  evident.     She  recovered. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  have  had  but  few  such  calls  as  yours  !  The 
world  is  cold  when  misfortunes  have  wrecked  our  hopes  and 
crushed  our  hearts.  To  lose  all  our  fortune,  once  almost 
boundless,  I  thought  was  pain  enough ;  but  till  the  death  of 
Mr.  S.,  I  knew  not  what  sufiering  was  I  My  husband  lived 
an  honorable  life,  respected  equally  for  his  talents  and  his  in- 
tegrity ;  with  the  last  dullar  of  his  fortune  he  lost  character, 
and  all  for  which  he  could  desire  to  live.  A  life  once  honor:i- 
ble  could  not  be  borne  in  dishonor  !  Disappointed  hopes  in- 
flicted wounds  that  no  balm  could  heal.  Death  seized  upon 
his  heart,  and  he  asked  not  to  live ;  to  his  sensitive  nature  a 
speedy  release  was  certain.  I'he  day  after  I  received  his  let- 
ter, informing  me  of  the  near  approach  of  death,  I  left  for 
Europe.  In  a  strange  land  I  sought  his  secluded  resting- 
place — but  persecution  pursued  us  to  the  borders  of  his  grave. 
A  priest  had  sought  his  confidence,  and  betrayed  him  to  his 
enemies.  The  last  dollar  was  taken  from  us,  as  his  hand  was 
extended  in  afl'ection  to  those  who  stood  around  his  dying  bed  ! 
O,  the  sight!  I  cannot  tell  you  what  I  saw!  A  form  and 
face  once  manly  were  wasted  !  As  he  looked  at  me,  I  shrunk 
with  terror !  What  spectre  from  other  work's  is  that  ?  I 
asked.  It  is  not  my  husband  !  He  spoke  I  It  was  my  hus- 
band !  I  placed  my  arm  under  his  head,  and  as  I  raised  it,  he 
breathed  his  last ! 

Excuse  me,  Mrs.  Cope.  You  have  not  lost  a  devoted  hus- 
band, and  every  blandishment  that  boundless  wealth  could 
give!  Look  at  these  children  !  I  shall  soon  follow  him  who 
has  passed  to  the  repose  that  was  denied  him  here.     A  more 


DESPOTISM.  39.9 

devoted  husband,  a  more  affectionate  parent  never  lived  !  We 
were  children  together — his  relatives  were  my  relatives ;  in 
early  life  we  moved  in  the  highest  circles,  and  my  husband's 
father  was  the  idol  of  our  country.  In  early  life  we  exchanged 
our  vows,  were  privately  married,  and  withdrew  to  the  quiet 
happy  scenes  of  joyous  matrimonial  life.  "We  never  thought  a 
censorious  world  would  pursue  us  with  their  scandal  to  our 
own  secluded  fireside  !  Our  children  were  beautiful  and  tal- 
ented, and  were  the  admired  of  all  who  saw  them.  We  reared 
them  in  virtue,  and  they  are  paying  back  the  debt  of  affection 
nobly.  I  need  not  tell  you,  Mrs.  Cope,  my  health  is  impaired 
and  my  heart  is  desolate.  I  have  not  the  means  of  living  !  At 
this  moment  I  am  not  provided  with  one  month's  support ! 

For  a  moment  Mrs.  S.  did  not  speak, 

Mrs.  S.,  have  you  no  relatives  to  whom  you  can  look  for  as- 
sistance? asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  have  not.  I  am  reduced  to  want,  and  I  would  gladly  beg 
if  I  could,  but  where  can  a  friend  be  found  in  distress  like 
mine  ?  asked  Mrs.  S. 

Mrs.  S.,  you  shall  not  thus  suffer.  I  will  call  on  our  ladies 
of  wealth.  I  know  some  whose  hearts  are  all  sympathy.  I 
shall  assist  you.  You  shall  not  thus  suffer,  said  Mrs.  Cope, 
as  she  bid  adieu. 

Mrs.  Cope  related  to  her  husband  the  interview  with  Mrs.  S. 

She  must  and  shall  be  assisted,  said  Mr.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Cope  called  on  Mrs.  L.,  the  wife  of  the  most  liberal  of 
men. 

Mrs.  L.,  I  have  called  on  Mrs.  S.,  for  whom  I  feel  the 
strongest  affection.  If  you  could  see  her,  your  sensitive  heart 
would  bleed.  Mrs.  S.  has  moved  in  our  highest  circles,  and 
she  is  now  reduced  to  beggary  !  What  shall  we  do  for  her  ? 
asked  ^[rs.  Cope. 

I  will  assist  her.    I  am  ['leased  to  learn  that  vou  have  called 


400  DESPOTISM. 

on  her.  Whatever  sum  you  will  obtain  in  this  avenue,  and  in 
all  the  city,  I  will  double,  said  Mrs.  L. 

A  very  large  sum  was  raised,  and  Mrs.  L.  contributed  as 
much  as  all  the  others.  Mrs.  Cope  had  the  pleasure  of  re- 
ceiving the  sum  within  one  week,  and  she  called  on  Mrs.  S. 

Mrs.  S.,  you  see  I  have  called  again.  Here  is  a  purse  !  I 
shall  not  tell  you  how  much  there  is  in  it,  and  I  shall  maiie  no 
speech,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  S.  kissed  Mrs.  Cope,  and  a  warm  tear  touched  her 
cheek.  For  a  few  moments  no  words  were  spoken.  Mrs.  S. 
recovered. 

Mrs.  Cope,  if  there  is  a  Heaven,  I  shall  meet  you  there  !  If 
a  life  like  yours  will  not  secure  happiness  liere  and  hereafter, 
then  tell  ine  not  of  Heaven  !  In  the  mansions  of  the  blessed 
we  shall  rejoin  our  lost  friends.  Sorrow  and  tears  will  be 
known  no  more,  and  affections  like  yours  will  be  the  highest 
reward  that  Heaven  can  bestow.  If  this  is  not  true,  then  for 
what  purpose  did  the  Deity  place  on  earth  such  lives  as  yours  ? 
asked  Mrs.  S.,  as  Mrs.  Cope  kissed  her  and  silently  withdrew. 

Mrs.  Bayard's  bell  rung.  Mrs.  Brevoort  was  seen  entering 
the  parlor. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  you  see  I  have  made  an  early  call.  Mrs. 
Phelps,  I  am  delighted  to  meet  you  here.  I  have  a  good  joke 
to  tell  you  both.  What  do  you  think  it  is  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Brevoort. 

I  guess  it  is  something  about  I)r.  Cox's  trial  I  What  do 
you  think  the  ministers  are  coming  to  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

It  is  not  about  Dr.  Cox.  I  suppose  that  my  story  will  in- 
terest you  more  than  his  domestic  quarrels,  said  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

Do  tell  us  what  has  happened  !  What  is  the  good  joke 
that  you  have  alluded  to  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  have  had  a  quarrel  with  Mrs.  M.,  and  we  have  parted  for- 
ever !  She  made  some  insuUing  remarks  about  you,  Mrs. 
Bayard,  and  I  paid  her  back  in  her  own  coin ;  and  a  more  ex- 


DESPOTISM.  401 

citing  discussion  you  never  heard.  I  must  admit  that  I  lost 
my  temper,  but  I  am  glad  of  it ;  if  I  had  not  been  angry  I 
could  not  have  told  her  all  the  home  truths  that  I  let  out,  said 
Mrs.  Brevoort. 

What  did  you  say  to  her  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  said  everything,  and  I  shall  never  remember  half  I  said. 
She  commenced  by  saying  she  should  not  visit  you  till  she  had 
learned  something  more  about  you  !  She  thought  you  had 
neither  wealth  nor  refinement,  and  you  would  not  reach  the 
highest  circles,  to  which  Mrs.  Phelps  was  trying  to  raise  you. 
She  said  Mrs.  Phelps  had  better  get  into  the  best  circles  be- 
fore she  attempted  to  pull  you  up ;  and  hundreds  of  other 
insulting  things,  said  Mrs.  Brevoort. 

Will  you  tell  us  all  that  passed  between  you  ?  said  Mrs, 
Phelps." 

I  told  her  that  she  was  the  first  person  that  reported  the 
falsehood  about  Mrs.  W.,  and  she  denied  it ;  but  we  all  know 
it  is  true.  I  told  her  that  she  now  put  on  airs,  and  boasted 
of  her  husband's  wealth  ;  and  that  a  few  years  ago  she  was 
packing  pills  to  cure  doubtful  disorders,  and  killing  all  who 
swallowed  her  husband's  poison  !  Did  I  not  serve  her  right  ? 
She  is  a  pretty  woman  to  wear  twenty  thousand  dollars'  worth 
of  jewelry  !  I  hope  she  will  leave  the  avenue,  said  Mrs.  Bre- 
voort. 

I  am  glad  you  have  quarreled — I  have  done  the  same. 
Was  there  ever  such  impertinence  in  any  woman  ?  I  have  no 
doubt  she  was  the  first  to  start  the  report  that  the  daughter 
of  Mr.  T.  was  in  a  delicate  situation,  and  that  her  father  had 
paid  an  old  fellow  without  respectability  two  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars  for  marrying  her,  and  for  retiring  with  her  to  the 
classic  shades  of  Lake  Como,  to  waste  her  sweetness,  said 
Mrs.  Phelps. 

Of  course  she  was,  and  she  should  claim  the  honor  of  some 
other   tales   of  scandal.      Who   do   you    suppose   first    told 


402  DESPOTISM. 

the   calumnious  story  of  'Mrs.  P.  of  Brooklyn  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Brevoort. 

Do  you  think  it  was  ^[rs.  M.  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  know  it  was.  She  said  that  Mrs.  P.  was  the  happy  mo- 
ther, after  a  long  matrimonial  life,  of  more  than  one  child  that 
would  be  claimed  by  the  Abolitionists.  They  claim  the  pa- 
ternity of  all  children  not  quite  white,  you  know,  said  Mrs. 
Brevoort. 

I  have  no  doubt  she  was  the  author  of  the  report  that  Miss 
E.  had  met  with  a  serious  accident  that  inight  keep  her  from 
society  for  a  few  months  !  She  told  it  to  me  in  perfect  confi- 
dence, and  I  have  learned  that  she  told  the  same  story  to  a 
dozen  other  ladies,  always  with  the  injunction  of  secrecy.  "We 
all  know  that  Mrs.  P.  is  as  virtuous  a  lady  as  ever  lived,  and 
most  respected  by  those  who  are  most  intimate  with  her  ;  and 
the  other  reports  started  by  Mrs.  M.  no  respectable  person 
believe^'.  But  who  can  contradict  these  libels  when  once  on 
the  wing  of  private  scandal?  If  we  can  get  Mrs.  !^[.  out  of 
the  avenue  we  shall  have  a  pure  atmosphere,  and  we  may  then 
congratulate  ourselves  on  having  privileges  no  where  else  en- 
joyed. Here  all  are  on  the  same  level,  all  associate  with  per- 
fect freedom,  and  no  inequality  of  fortune  is  any  barrier  to  the 
most  intimate  friendship.  In  this  avenue  we  have  Mrs.  Kings- 
land,  Mrs.  Sandford,  Mrs.  Jay,  ^Mrs.  Bellinger,  Mrs.  Harper, 
jSIrs.  Cooley,  Mrs.  Warner,  Mrs.  Ward,  Mrs.  Gibbons,  Mrs. 
Jones,  Mrs.  Herring,  Mrs.  jMcBride,  Mrs.  Bedford,  ^Mrs.  Pem- 
sen,  Mrs.  Sheff  and  Mrs.  Roberts.  With  these  ladies  I  claim 
intimate  fiiendship,  and  with  them  I  have  enjoyed  all  that  cul- 
tivated intellect  can  bestow.  I  shall  call  often,  and  I  shall 
bring  with  me  my  niece,  whom  you  have  met  so  often  at  the 
houses  of  our  mutual  friemis.  You,  Mrs.  Bayard,  have  been 
married  some  years — Mrs.  Cope  not  so  long.  I  must  now  re- 
turn Will  you  promise  to  call  often  ?  AVe  shall  depend  upon 
it.     I  shall  want  you  to  ride  with  me  to  the   new  Manhattan 


DESPOTISM.  403 

Park.  What  a  noble  fellow  Mayor  Wood  is  !  He  would  not 
sign  the  bill  for  curtailing  the  Park.  I  must  invite  him  to  my 
party.  Now  you  must  return  this  call  promptly,  or  I  shall 
positively  be  offended,  said  Mrs.  Phelps,  as  they  withdrew. 

The  following  week  Mrs.  Cope  called  on  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  do  hope  Mrs.  Bayard  will  call  on  me.  I  have  never  met 
a  lady  with  whom  I  was  more  pleased,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Phelp's  bell  rung.     Mrs.  Bayard  entered  the  parlor. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  this  is  very  kind  in  you.  I  have  thought  of 
you  every  day.  Do  you  know  that  Mrs.  Cope  was  speaking 
of  you  the  very  moment  that  you  came  in?  I  am  pleased  to 
see  you.  I  am  delighted  to  have  you  and  Mrs.  Cope  meet — 
you  must  cultivate  the  most  friendly  feelings — you  must  be 
intimate.  I  know  how  much  Mrs.  Cope  will  enjoy  her  resi- 
dence in  this  delightful  avenue.  You  are  both  good  talkers. 
No  person  can  say  that  you  are  not  sociable,  and  that  is  what 
I  like.  I  cannot  endure  ceremony.  Mrs.  Cope's  son  is  near 
the  age  of  Oscar,  and  that  will  enable  them  to  enjoy  the  soci- 
ety of  each  other.  James  and  Oscar  I  am  sure  will  meet 
often,  and  in  your  house  and  garden  they  will  enjoy  their 
sports  together.  Your  daughter,  Mrs.  Bayard,  is  very  beau- 
tiful ; — excuse  me,  she  is  the  image  of  yourself.  I  am  sure  all 
who  see  her  will  say  so,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

Mrs.  Phelps,  you  may  say  anything  to  me ;  it  must  always 
come  from  a  good  heart,  a  warm  and  true  heart — but  do  not 
thus  speak  before  Kate.  She  is  only  two  years  older  than 
Oscar  and  James,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

You  are  right — I  will  not.  But  that  son  of  yours  is  father's 
self.  If  boys  are  ever  interesting,  then  Oscar  is  a  boy  to  de- 
litrht  the  heart  of  any  parent.  All  love  pretty  girls,  and  I  am 
sure  you  will  excuse  me  for  loving  Kate,  she  is  so  beautiful. 
Do  you  think  boys  have  charms  like  girls  ?  I  suppose  fathers 
think  so,  but  I  do  not.  They  run  out  of  doors  so  much,  and 
get  very  dark,  and  their  skin  is  not  so  beautiful  as  girls.    Your 


404  DESPOTISM. 

Kate  certainly  is  very  beautiful,  her  skin  is  so  delicate.  T 
should  not  think  the  sun  had  ever  kissed  her  cheek.  And  those 
beautiful  eyes  !  I  do  wonder  if  you  estimate  that  girl  as  you 
ought  ?  I  wish  my  children  were  like  yours.  Mrs.  Bayard, 
where  shall  we  pass  the  summer  ?  Wherever  you  go,  I  shall 
go.  I  have  been  to  Vermont  frequently,  and  I  do  think  it  is 
the  most  delightful  place  that  I  have  ever  visited,  but  the  dis- 
tance with  some  is  an  objection.  Budd's  Lake,  in  Jersey,  is 
much  nearer.  We  did  have  a  merry  time  last  summer ;  all 
the  gentlemen  were  our  most  wealthy  and  respectable  citizens. 
I  have  been  to  Newport  often  enough.  I  shall  go  to  Budd's 
Lake,  if  you  will  go  with  our  party.  Newport  is  getting  too 
common  for  any  lady  of  respectability.  All  the  world  go 
there — and  some  folks  in  the  world,  you  know,  we  do  not  care 
to  associate  with,  said  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  must  have  a  place  that  is  quiet,  and  where  no  immoral  or 
indelicate  conduct  will  offend  the  pure.  What  a  lovely  place 
Budd's  Lake  is  to  sail  and  to  bathe  !  One  end  of  the  Lake, 
you  know,  is  all  covered  with  lilies,  and  the  whole  atmosphere 
is  perfumed.  And  the  company  are  so  select,  and  so  wealthy, 
and  BO  intellectual ;  I  know  dozens  who  will  go  with  us,  and 
they  are  such  persons  as  all  will  admire  to  associate  with. 
Who  were  ever  so  merry  as  we  were  when  we  batlied  in  the 
pure  Lake  with  the  party  from  our  avenue  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Bayard. 

I  should  like  to  have  a  man  ask  me  to  bathe  in  a  party  with 
him,  as  they  do  at  Newport !  I  would  accept  his  offer,  and 
then  I  would  drown  him  !  He  would  never  ask  me  such  an 
insulting  question  again.  The  last  time  that  I  was  at  New- 
port they  all  did  drink  wine,  or  something  stronger,  most  aw- 
fully. Where  I  go  I  expect  the  gentlemen  to  be  courteous 
after  they  have  dined,  and  not  stupid.  At  Newport  the  ladies 
all  bathe  with  the  gentlemen,  and  they  all  drink  before  they 
bathe,  and  they  drink  after  they  have  bathed,  to  keep  the  cold 


DESPOTISM.  405 

from  the  stomach — and  then  they  go  to  bed  because  they  can. 
not  sit  up.  The  habit  is  pernicious — it  is  positively  demoral- 
izing to  all  who  visit  such  places;  but  to  the  young  of  both 
sexes  it  is  ruinous  to  character  and  to  virtue.  The  conduct 
of  some  persons  shows  the  eflfects  of  these  pernicious  habits. 
Such  places  will  destroy  all  refinement,  and  reduce  us  to  a 
level  with  Catholic  Europe.  The  families  who  visit  such 
places  with  children  do  not  reflect  on  the  consequences.  No 
wonder  we  hear  of  divorces.  If  parents  are  not  virtuous, 
children  never  will  be,  said  Mrs.  Phelps, 

The  habits  that  have  driven  more  than  one  of  our  most 
wealthy  and  eminent  ladies  from  society,  were  acquired  at 
Newport  and  the  Springs.  The  vices  that  degrade  men  are 
more  odious  in  the  ladies.  I  never  will  offer  a  friend  of  mine 
a  glass  of  intoxicating  drink,  as  long  as  I  live ;  my  heart  bleeds 
for  many  who  are  now  suffering  from  this  unkind  hospitality. 
Is  not  the  fate  of  Mrs.  W.,  and  Mrs.  B.,  and  Mrs.  P.,  enough 
to  satisfy  reflecting  persons  that  rigid  temperance  is  the  only 
protection  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

The  drinking  at  these  watering  places  is  bad  enough  ;  but 
other  usages  of  these  places  are  worse — the  bathing  is  the 
worst  of  all.  What  if  a  lady  should  lose  a  garment  ?  0  mercy ! 
It  makes  me  faint  to  think  of  it !  One  lady  did,  you  know.  I 
saw  her,  and  it  was  the  most  disgusting  sight  I  ever  beheld  ! 
She  looked  exactly  like  Barnum's  mermaid  I  I  would  not 
have  been  in  the  condition  of  Miss  G.,  as  rich  as  she  is,  for 
all  her  wealth.  I  do  not  think  she  will  ever  be  called  respect- 
able in  the  highest  circles,  do  you  ?  asked  Mrs.  Phelps. 

I  am  sure  I  do  not,  and  I  would  never  speak  to  her ;  and 
yet  you  are  constantly  surrounded  at  Newport  with  such  cha- 
racters, who  cannot  be  called  temperate,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

How  can  people  of  refinement  do  such  things  ?  At  these 
places  no  blush  is  seen  on  the  cheek  of  purity  and  beauty,  as 
they  bathe  and  drink  by  the  dozen,  without  their  mothers ; 


40G  DESPOTISM. 

and  all  these  persons  of  both  sexes  in  a  dress  and  condition 
offensive  to  taste,  refinement  and  morals,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  do  not  think  the  Catholics  of  Europe,  as  debused  as  they 
are,  would  do  anything  worse — and  you  know  they  do  not 
pretend  to  have  any  virtue — I  mean  they  would  not  do  any- 
thing worse  if  you  were  looking  at  them.  It  will  never  an- 
swer for  us,  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  ;  we  are  expected  to  be  very 
particular  in  our  behavior.  That  lady  who  lost  her  panteletts 
could  never  enter  my  house,  if  she  were  as  rich  as  Astor  or 
Whituey,  said  Ishs.  Phelps. 

Mrs.  C.  says  that  one  year  they  had  all  the  most  wealthy 
persons  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  at  Sudbur3\  Mr.  Hyde,  who 
keeps  the  hotel,  is  immensely  rich,  and  is  the  Know-Nothing 
candidate  for  Governor,  and  is  one  of  the  most  talented  men 
in  Vermont.  Governor  Fairbanks  is  to  be  in  the  Senate  when 
Mr.  Fillmore  takes  possession  of  the  AYhite  House.  Mr.  Hyde's 
company  are  always  from  the  highest  circles.  He  has  room 
for  no  others.  The  rides  over  the  mountains  at  Sudbury  are 
not  surpassed  by  those  of  Switzerland.  You  will  come  to  see 
me  soon  ?  Come  to-morrow,  said  Mrs.  Bayard,  as  she  walked 
to  her  coach. 

A  few  days  after  a  coach  stopped  at  her  door,  and  Mrs. 
Cope  and  Mrs.  Phelps  alighted. 

You  sie  w'e  have  kept  our  word;  we  have  called  early. 
Here  is  James — where  is  Oscar  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Oscar  is  not  well — he  is  quite  indisposed,  and  we  feel 
alarmed  ;  he  was  once  attacked  with  the  same  complaint,  but 
Dr.  Bogart  soon  restored  him.  James  is  growing  very  fast — 
his  health  must  be  good,  I  think,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  Cope,  in  this  house  you  will  meet  lovely  ladies,  and  men 
of  cultivated  intellect,  and  some  giants  in  literature,  and  possi- 
bly some  blue  stockings.  You  will  be  charmed.  Mrs.  Ba- 
yard, excuse  me — you  and  Mrs.  Cope  I  know  will  visit  often ; 
the  congeniality  of  your  minds  will  delight  each  other ;  the 


DESPOTISM.  407 

atmosphere  of  this  house  is  loaded  with  good  influences.  Do 
you  see  Kate  in  the  garden  ?  Is  she  not  lovely  ?  She  has  a 
violet  in  her  hand  ;  it  is  not  half  so  sweet  as  she  is,  said  Mrs. 
Phelps. 

I  am  delighted  to  see  you  both.  Mrs.  Cope,  you  will  come 
to  see  me  sociably,  will  you  not  ?  These  two  children  are  all 
I  have ;  you  have  James,  but  no  Kate  at  present.  We  shall 
all  be  very  happy,  now  we  are  so  near  each  other,  and  so  in- 
timately acquainted,  said  !R[rs.  Bayard. 

You  say  Dr.  Bogart  restored  Oscar — I  shall  recollect  that. 
Health  is  a  great  blessing.  I  wish  we  could  find  a  physician 
who  never  lost  a  patient.  You  know,  I  suppose,  that  no  more 
young  men  will  ever  die ;  the  stores,  you  know,  are  to  be  closed. 
They  drank  so  much  at  Mrs.  S.'s  and  Mr.  M.'s,  in  this  avenue, 
that  the  young  men  did  not  get  home  till  some  of  their  friends 
appeared  and  paid  certain  damages.  Do  you  know  why  Gov- 
ernor Clark  is  a  greater  man  than  the  great  man  in  the  Bible  ? 
It  is  a  good  conundrum,  said  Mrs.  Cope, 

I  give  it  up,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Joshua,  you  know,  made  the  sun  stand  still.  Governor 
Clark  is  going  to  make  all  the  sons  stand  still.  "When  the  new 
law  is  passed,  that  the  judges  cannot  for  money  decide  to  be 
unconstitutional,  the  young  men  cannot  run  and  get  a  drink, 
and  then  I  think  they  will  have  to  stand  still.  Do  you  not 
think  my  conundrum  a  good  one  ?  I  made  it  all  myself — I 
did  not  find  it  in  the  Home  Journal,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Yours  is  good,  but  I  can  beat  it.  1  read  the  new  law  last 
night,  and  I  asked  Augustus  why  Governor  Clark  was  a 
stronger  man  than  Hercules  1  Do  you  give  it  up  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Bayard. 

I  do,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Hercules  swept  the  Augean  stables,  and  turned  them  into 
Elysium.     Governor  Clark  will  sweep  the  whole  State,  and 


403  DESPOTISM. 

turn  it  into  Elysium.     Is  he  not  a  stronger  man  than  Hercu- 
les? asked  ^trs.  Bayard. 

You  have  beat  me — you  must  be  regarded  as  a  literary  ge- 
nius.    Are  you  a  blue  stocking?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

What  is  a  blue  stocking  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

A  blue  stocking  is  a  woman  who  is  all  head  and  no  heart, 
said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Then  I  am  a  blue  stocking,  for  I  retain  my  head,  but  I  lost 
my  heart  years  ago,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  do  not  know  that  I  can  claim  head  or  heart,  for  I  surren- 
dered both  to  the  keeping  of  another  years  ago,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

If  you  have  neither  head  nor  heart,  you  must  be  a  strong- 
minded  woman,  and  should  join  the  Woman's  Eights  Associ- 
ation, said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

All  who  join  that  association  wear  the  pantaloons.  To  that 
condition  I  shall  never  subscribe,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Do  you  think  society  in  this  city  requires  to  be  elevated ; 
do  the  young  men  whom  you  meet  in  our  best  circles  indulge 
in  a  freedom  of  behavior  that  cannot  be  regarded  as  gentle- 
manly ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Not  all,  I  hope ;  but  many,  it  must  be  admitted,  do  belong 
to  the  degraded  classes,  as  Bishop  Huggs  said  he  should,  if 
he  had  remained  in  Ireland.  Some  of  these  young  men  look 
well  enough — I  mean  what  you  can  see  of  them  :  that  is  not 
much,  for  they  are  all  covered  up,  like  a  cat  with  her  smellers. 
I  do  think  the  fashion  is  very  disgusting :  can  they  be  clean  ? 
No  such  face  will  ever  be  nearer  to  mine  than  I  would  admit 
a  monkey's.  The  usage  comes  from  nations  that  claim  no  re- 
finement. I  am  very  glad  that  I  am  married,  I  am  sure  I 
would  never  have  a  hairy  monster.  I  would  sooner  be  an  old 
maid,  and  that  you  know  is  awful.  You  do  not  think  all  the 
young  men  are  getting  dissipated,  do  you  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Some  are  very  wild,  but  they  cannot  visit  my  house — I  will 


DESPOTISM.  409 

not  permit  it.  The  Fifth  Avenue  must  be  pure,  or  I  will  leave 
it,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

It  is  time  for  ladies  to  speak  out.  These  habits  are  too  re- 
pulf'ive — they  are  intolerable.  I  knov/  they  will  always  be 
allowed  in  some  streets,  but  these  young  men  shall  not  visit 
iny  house,  if  they  drink  more  than  at  home.  The  number  of 
both  ladies  and  gentlemen  whose  names  are  marked  from  the 
books  of  the  best  families  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  amount  to  over 
one  hundred;  and  if  one  of  these  persons  should  obtain  ac- 
cess, by  any  accident,  they  would  be  expelled  from  the  room. 
No  perton  can  call  at  a  house  in  which  his  name  is  not  regu- 
hdv\y  proposed  and  recorded.  We  must  now  return.  We  have 
made  you  a  long  visit.  You  see  I  love  to  come  and  to  stay 
as  long  as  you  will  listen  to  my  rattle.  You  say  Dr.  Bogart 
is  your  physician — then  he  is  mine  when  I  am  indisposed.  Will 
you  let  Oscar  come  and  see  James  ?  he  will  be  delighted. 
You  know  we  have  a  large  garden,  full  of  flowers ;  the  boys 
can  play,  and  swing,  and  drive  hoop;  they  will  enjoy  the  so- 
ciety of  each  other,  said  Mrs.  Cope,  as  she  withdrew. 

Mrs.  Cope  devoted  one  day  of  each  week  to  receiving  calls 
from  friends,  and  one  day  to  calls  for  charity  ;  and  time  passed 
in  uiuriingled  enjoyment.  Months  and  years  passed  rapidly, 
leaving  but  a  slight  impress  on  the  memory  or  the  heart. 
James  was  now  a  school  boy.  Mrs.  Bayard  was  often  with 
her.  They  rode,  they  walked,  they  called  on  friends,  and  their 
names  were  always  spoken  with  true  affection  by  all  in  the 
highest  circles  of  wealth  and  refinement. 

It  was  June,  and  the  gay  city  was  calling  all  the  votaries  of 
pleasure  to  their  favorite  shrines.  Mrs.  Cope  called  in  her 
carriage  on  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  I  have  called  early,  to  invite  you  to  ride  with 
me  to  the  new  Manhattan  Park,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  am  ready,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

yhe  trees  are  in  full  bloom  around   us,  the  fragrance  fills 
i8 


410  DESPOTISM. 

the  air,  the  forest  trees  are  dressed  in  green,  and  beauty  beams 
from  all  that  meets  the  eye  and  sot.  thes  the  heart.  What 
t)ther  city  can  boast  of  such  scenery  y  Where  are  such  land- 
scapes to  be  found  ?  It  is  the  highest  enjoyment  of  life  to 
ride  with  our  friends  and  those  we  love.  Who  would  not 
come  often  to  enjoy  such  exquisite  happiness  in  these  romantic 
bpots  ?  Refinement,  taste,  imagination,  all  the  faculties  of  en- 
joyment are  active  here,  and  we  live  in  an  atmosphere  above 
the  dull  world  of  labor,  of  anxiety,  and  of  absorbing  care. 
The  heart  swells  with  thankfulness  to  the  beneficent  Power 
that  bestows  so  much  on  us.  Is  it  consistent  with  sound  phi- 
losophy to  argue  that  these  blessings  are  bestowed  on  us  by 
chance  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

By  no  means.  The  Power  that  created  all  things  was  the 
Author;  they  are  the  rewards  of  the  virtues,  without  which 
no  free  government  can  exist.  The  poor  benighted  Catholics 
are  taught  to  believe  that  Holy  Mary,  a  mortal,  is  God ;  and 
who  are  more  miserable  than  the  Catholics  of  Europe  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Bayard. 

We  now  approach  the  most  elevated  spot  on  the  banks  of 
this  lovely  river.  Gaze  a  moment !  Between  the  tall  trees 
you  see  the  Hudson  in  quiet  beauty,  and  you  see  the  numer- 
ous steamboats,  full  of  life  and  happiness.  Can  any  landscape 
be  more  lovely  1  Steam  has  always  existed,  but  science  has 
now  nearly  accomplished  its  perfect  work,  and  made  it  obe- 
dient to  all  the  wants  of  man.  During  the  long  night  of  Ca- 
tholic darkness  no  discovery  of  value  was  made;  to  have  made 
one  would  have  consigned  the  inventor  to  the  inquisition  and 
to  certain  death.  Now  look  at  the  Hudson.  Do  you  see 
hundreds  of  vessels,  whitening  like  roses  a  scene  of  exquisite 
beauty  ?  The  beautiful  images  that  such  scenes  present  to 
our  imagination  charm  the  intellectual ;  we  know  there  is  hap- 
piness around  us,  and  we  enjoy  the  pleasure  that  such  scenes 
must   always   inspire.     Cultivated   minds   delight   in   natural 


DESPOTISM.  411 

scenery.  The  river,  the  hills,  the  forest  trees,  the  ever-chang- 
ing scenes  of  beauty,  are  filling  the  mind  with  delight.  These 
pictures  of  rural  scenery,  these  crowded  vessels,  the  evidences 
of  successful  industry  and  the  great  wealth  of  the  country,  in- 
sure us  from  all  the  anxiety  that  most  oppresses  a  life  of  pov- 
erty. Here  we  come  to  the  Central,  or  Manhattan  Park,  so 
soon  to  be  opened  to  the  citizens.  Here  are  seven  hundred 
and  fifty  acres,  containing  over  twelve  thousand  building  lots. 
No  other  city^in  the  world  can  boast  of  such  a  park.  Rome, 
in  the  days  of  her  despotism,  and  in  her  boasted  freedom, 
claimed  nothing  like  it.  Men  who  hve  in  coming  years  will 
thank  the  men  of  this  age  for  their  just  estimate  of  a  great  city's 
wants.  It  is  ever  thus  that  the  good  institutions  and  the  wise 
laws  of  one  age  are  bequeathed  to  us  by  the  wisdom  of  a  for- 
mer age;  half  the  virtues  of  this  age  are  to  be  credited  to  the 
best  men  of  a  past  age.  Mayor  Wood  said  the  Park  should 
not  be  curtailed.  We  thank  him  for  his  kind  regard  fur  this 
great  city  ;  it  is  not  the  first  time  that  to  one  man  the  whole 
city  has  been  deeply  indebted.  Dr.  Harson  is  one  of  the  men 
to  whom  the  city  owes  so  much.  He  owns  all  the  lots  on  one 
side  of  the  Park,  and  he  must  be  worth  nearly  one  million  of 
dollars.  Prom  the  toil  of  bupy  life  shall  come  to  this  Park, 
the  grave  merchant,  the  busy  lawyer,  the  liappy  parent,  the 
luveiy  girl,  and  sighing  lover.  Here  all  can  sit  and  converse 
under  the  shade  of  these  venerable  oaks.  For  all  coming  time 
these  oaks  and  elms  will  extend  their  broad  arms.  Here  in- 
spiration will  weave  many  a  tale  ;  and  here  thoughts  sugo-est- 
ed,  and  hopes  indulged,  will  find  utterance  in  language  that 
will  charm  all  who  read,  and  will  guide  the  intellectual  to 
their  purest  joys.  The  youth's  resolve,  the  lover's  pledge,  the 
mourner's  sigh,  the  tear  of  joy,  the  heart's  sympathy,  the  grief 
of  crushed  affections,  the  adieu  to  a  smiling  world,  ail  will  in 
this  broad  temple  be  witnessed  by  an  invisible  eye,  and  re- 
corded by  an  invisible  hand.     Some  will   ride  and  meet  their 


412  DESPOTISM. 

gay  friends  in  coaches,  and  some  on  horses ;  but  all,  rich  and 
poor,  w  ill  in  this  charnoed  spot  forget  cares  and  sorrows  ft)r 
the  hour,  and  will  be  happier  and  better  for  this  glorious 
Park.  Such  parks,  such  scenes  of  beauty,  such  quiet  loveli- 
ness, must  ever  charm  the  intellectual,  and  dispose  the  mind 
to  reflection  and  to  virtue,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  admire  your  views.  I  wish  all  reflecting  persons  could 
see  these  landscapes  with  the  eye  of  true  philosophy,  as  you 
see  them.  They  would  appreciate  our  blessings,  and  assist  us 
in  sustaining  the  institutions  from  which  they  flow.  All  who 
see  these  spots  would  ask  for  what  purpose  they  were  given 
to  this  age  and  this  country,  and  denied  to  all  others  ?  In  all 
Catholic  countries  three-fourths  are  miserably  poor,  and  toil 
for  priests  and  military  tyrants.  To  fasten  chains  on  the  peo- 
ple, they  are  taught  to  worship  a  sprig  of  Despotism,  an  in- 
tant  representative  of  royalty,  a  King  of  Algiers,  that  every 
freeman  should  despise  as  the  emblem  of  his  own  degradation 
and  the  sure  evidence  of  despotic  government.  These  misera- 
ble Catholics,  who  bend  the  knee  to  popes  and  kings,  are  the 
most  miserable  of  all  created  beings.  They  have  no  relaxa- 
tion, no  lovely  rides,  no  delightful  w-alks,  to  relieve  the  anguish 
that  crowds  upon  their  afilicted  hearts.  Popery  and  poverty 
go  hand  in  hand,  and  are  forever  connected  with  vice  and  suf- 
fering. If  we  visit  the  Catholic  streets,  and  the  hundred  of 
tenement  houses,  we  are  compelled  to  acknowledge  that  their 
occupants  are  positively  below  our  southern  blacks.  Our 
American  blessings  are  the  rewards  of  virtue,  and  result  from 
schools,  churches,  temperance,  and  an  attachment  to  the  Union 
which  exist  no  where  but  with  us.  They  are  the  truly  great 
and  good  only  who  comprehend  the  wants,  the  prospective 
greatness,  and  the  true  glory  of  this  great  city.  Intemper- 
ance, games  of  chance,  houses  that  are  portals  to  the  gloom  of 
eternal  despair,  rise  to  the  imagination  in  all  their  horrid  forms  ! 


DESPOTISM. 


413 


Who  is  there  that  would   not  gain  by  wholesome  reformation 
in  this  great  city  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

After  a  ride  of  a  few  hours,  Mrs.  Bayard  and   Mrs.  Cope 

returned. 

A  few  days  after  Mrs.  Bayard  called  on  Mrs.  Cope,  and 
found  "her  less  lively  than  usual. 

I  think  I  am  becoming  too  fond  of  these  gay  scenes  ;  I  have 
not  the  time  for  quiet  home  enjoyments  that  I  need  ;  my  circle 
of  friends  is  large,  but  I  am  constantly  increasing  it  I  Can 
this  be  right  ?  The  claims  of  study,  of  solid  reading,  of  re- 
ligion, do  I  attend  to  them  as  I  ought  ?  I  am  sure  I  do  not ! 
I  must  be  more  careful.  I  would  not  for  the  world  be  re- 
garded  as  a  fashionable  lady,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  have  always  called  you  a  very  domestic  lady,  said  Mrs 

Bayard. 

Whatever  I  have  been,  I  am  determined  to  be  less  attentive 
to  the  claims  of  fashion,  to  parties,  to  balls,  to  dissipation  !  I 
will  be  strictly  domestic.  It  is  not  enough  to  be  called  do- 
mestic—my own  conscience  must  assure  me  that  I  am  domes- 
tic, said  Mrs.  Cope.  . 

I  should  like  to  know  who  is  domestic,  if  you  are  not  ?  1  ou 
go  to  parties  twice  a  week  :  I  go  three  or  four  times.  You 
leave  at  twelve  o'clock,  I  stay  till  one  or  two  !  You  never  go 
without  your  husband,  I  go  with  any  friend.  I  flirt  with 
young  and  old,  you  with  none,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

You  have  drawn  your  parallel  with  a  liberal  hand.  I  do 
not  claim  the  honors  with  which  your  partiality  would  invest 
me.  I  cannot  deny  that  my  mind  has  experienced  some 
change.  I  do  not  think  that  a  life  entirely  devoted  to  fashion 
is  the  life  for  which  we  were  placed  here.  You  have  two 
children,  the  gifts  of  a  kind  Providence— I  have  one.  Any 
person  who  can  see  yours,  and  not  desire  just  such  children, 
must  be  without  sensibility.  James  has  constantly  been  add- 
incr  to  the  strong  affection  that  years  ago  seemed  woven  into 


414 


DESPOTISM 


the  very  texture  of  my  heart ;  every  day  some  new  develop- 
ment gives  new  delight.    His  mind  is  mature  beyond  his  years. 
He  reads,  he  converses  like  boys  older  than  himself.    He  gives 
us  the  promise  of  talent  of  no  ordinary  character.     Is  that 
mind  to  live  always  ?     It  seems  like  an  etherial  spark  that  the 
Creator  has  placed  there  !     Why  should  he  not  take  it  home 
to  the  mansions  whence  it  came,  to  be  with  him  forever  ?     He 
will,  I  know  he  will  !     It  shall  be  trained  for  Heaven  !     I  will 
devote  to  James  the  time  that  I  have  spent  in  gay  scenes ;  the 
reward  of  this  will  be  sweet.     I  shall  be  in  the  path   of  duty. 
Such  cares  carry  with  them  the  rewards  that  surpass  all  frivo- 
lous amusements.     The  intellectual  garden  shall  bloom  with 
choice  flowers,  colors  of  surpassing  beauty  shall   delight  the 
eye,  perfume  shall  charm  the  senses  ;  the  path  of  duty  will  ever 
be  the  pleasant  path  in  the  garden  of  our  love,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 
Mrs.  Cope,  you  are  losing  your  usual  vivacity — what  has  hap- 
pened ?     You   need  diversion,  you   need  friends,  social  inter- 
course, amusements.     Life  is  not  all  made  up  of  duties  ;  enjoy- 
ments are  required  to  keep  the  mind  in  health,  and  you  have 
been  confined  too  much  at  home.     I  have  come  to  ask  you  to 
my  party,  which  I  intend  to  give  to  you,  for  the  deep  aftection 
that  I  feel  for  you,  in  this  your  anxious  state  of  mind.     It  is 
the  first  party  that  I  have  given  for  one  year,  and  now  I  shall 
receive  my  friends  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  before  they  leave  for 
Europe.     I  do  not  think  that  you  are  in  your  usual  health  and 
spirits,  but  we  will  discuss  this  subject  again.    I  am  delighted 
with  your  views  of  life  and  its  duties,  and  I  cannot  avoid  ap- 
plying them  to  myself;  in  fact,  I  think  I  am  in  much  greater 
need  of  acting  on  such  suggestions  than  you  are.     Before  I 
adopt  them,  however,  I  must  dispose  of  fifteen  or  twenty  invi- 
tations to  parties   which   I  now  have  on  hand.     Two  weeks 
from  to-morrow,  recollect,  is  the  night  for  my  party.     More 
than  three  hundred  persons,  mostly  from  the   Fifth  Avenue, 
and  all  of  them  from  our  highest  circles,  are  going  to  Europe 


DESPOTISM.  415 

in  the  Arctic  :  some  will  leave  the  next  voyage,  and  some  the 
succeeding  passage.  They  have  all  selected  the  Arctic  as  the 
best  boat,  and  one  reason  of  their  choice  is  that  Mrs.  Collins 
and  daughter  are  to  take  passage  in  her.  You  will  certainly 
visit  Europe  at  some  time,  and  I  will  introduce  you  to  them 
all  ;  you  may  meet  them  in  Europe,  if  you  do  not  go  out  in 
the  same  boat,  said  Mrs,  Bayard,  as  she  kissed  Mrs.  Cope  and 
bid  her  adieu. 


416  DE8POTJ8M- 


CHAPTER    XV. 


INSANITY. 

She  by  her  smile  how  soon  the  Stranger  knows  j 
How  soon  by  his  the  glad  discovery  shows  ! 
As  to  her  lips  she  lifts  the  loTely  boy, 
What  answering  looks  of  bympathy  and  joy  f 
He  walks,  he  speaks.     In  many  a  broken  word 
His  wants,  his  wishes,  and  his  griefs  are  heard. 


Rogers. 


At  eleven  o'clock  Mrs.  Bayard's  party  "began  to  ass^emble, 
and  at  twelve  the  parlors  were  crowded,  and  all  the  gay  party 
were  in  motion  ;  and  a  more  brilliant  scene  cannot  be  imagined. 
The  following  eminent  persons  were  seen  in  the  immense  par- 
lors, the  most  of  whom  belong  to  our  highest  circles. 

Captain  Luce,  Captain  Paul  F.  Gram,  George  H.  Burns, 
James  Thompson,  Henry  Jenkins,  "William  Nichols,  Francis 
Dorian,  C.  T.  Mitchell,  W.  A-  Young,  W.  Gilbert,  Hender- 
son Moore,  F.  De  Mayer,  \V.  P.  Eathbone,  William  Gihon, 
G.  Dupassieu,  E  M.  Tuss,  J.  Hennessy,  J.  McMath,  George 
Dobbs,  M.  Dulaconnais,  William  Baalham,  Frederick  May, 
G.  F.  Allen,  James  Smith,  J.  A.  G.  Francois,  S.  M.  Wood- 
ruff, Mrs.  G.  F.  Allen,  H.  Arbuckle,  Mr.  Adams,  E.  Buech, 
N.  Babcock,  lady  and   son,  A.  Banche,  W.  B.   Brown,  lady 


DESPOTISM.  417 

and  daughter,  A.  Benedict  and  lady,  Mr.  Berny,  Miss  Benja- 
min, Miss  Broiison,  W.  Bowen,  W.  Barber,  J.  J.  Barrill, 
Mr.  Barber,  Mrs.  Bryan,  G-.  Brown,  Mr.  Bedford,  Mr.  Brady, 
Mr.  Bush,  J.  B.  Cooke,  Mrs.  Childe,  D.  Cannon,  Mr.  Christie, 
Mrs.  E.  K.  Collins  and  daughter,  P.  Johnson,  S.  Jeffords, 
Miss  Jones,  H.  H.  Koon,  Mrs.  J.  Lindsay,  Mr.  T.  Lochmira- 
net,  Mr.  Lenoire,  Miss  A.  Lais,  J.  Lynch  and  lady,  H.  Le 
Eoy  Nevvbold,  IMiss  Jane  Murton,  Miss  Mansey,  Mr.  Milville, 
Mrs.  Gr.  McCracken,  Mr.  Moriss,  Mr.  McClevin,  E.  Madison, 
Mr.  Miijor,  lady  and  daughter,  J.  Muirhead,  Miss  Mitchell, 
Mr.  McDougall,  Mr.  Mayer,  Mr.  Fass,  Mrs.  T.  Newman,  W. 
W.  Comstock,  S.  Culner,  W.  Coop,  H.  Cook,  C.  Christians, 
Mr.  Culman,  Mrs.  Craig,  F.  Catherwood,  Mr.  Belgrade,  Mr. 
Day,  lady  and  daughter,  Mr.  Dawson  and  lady.  Miss  Drew, 
Mr.  Eggers,  Mrs.  Edgecombe,  Miss  Ford,  J.  Fryer,  W.  Fer- 
guson, Mr.  Frank,  C.  Fabbricotti,  Mr.  Grant  and  lady,  Mr. 
Guynet  and  lady,  F.  W.  Gale  and  lady,  Due  de  Grammont, 
Mr.  Gwilliam,  Miss  A.  Garcia,  Mr.  Geiger  and  lady,  J.  B. 
Hogg,  Mrs.  Ilowland,  Miss  Hasard,  Mr.  Hollub,  Mr.  Ilirach, 
Mr.  Hewitt  and  lady,  Mr.  Hind,  Mr.  Hilger,  J.  Holbrook, 
Mrs.  Hodson,  Miss  Hay,  E.  Hilbroner,  Mr.  Hatcher,  F.  Hen- 
ry, T.  E.  Jones,  F.  Niver,  G.  Noakes,  Mr.  North,  G.  Petrie 
and  lady,  Mrs.  Perrin,  G.  B.  Pearson,  Mr.  Perkins,  Captain 
D.  Pratt  and  lady,  Mr.  Pasive,  Mr.  Paterson,  Mrs.  Eopes, 
*  and  son.,,  H.  Eeed,  Mr.  Eavenscroft,  Mrs.  Eidge,  T.  Eob- 
son,  F.  Ehine,  J.  G.  Smith,  Miss  Smith,  J.  Smith  and  lady, 
Mrs.  and  Miss  Stone,  A.  Stone,  Charles  A.  Schiebler,  E. 
Sandfurd,  Mrs.  Scott,  Miss  Stewart,  H.  P.  Stuart,  C.  C. 
Springer,  T.  Shuster,  lady  and  daughters,  Mr.  Schmidt,  Mr. 
Sheldon,  T.  Sherburner,  C.  St.  John,  H.  Thomas,  Mr.  Wood- 
ruff and  lady,  S.  M.  Woodruff,  Mr.  Waring,  Mr.  Winterburn, 
Mr.  Wiborg  E.  C.  Wood,  E.  S.  Williams  and  lady,  Mr.  Wa- 
terman, M.  D.  Yoasi,  and  J.  Zologgi. 

Among  the  distinguished  guests  were  Lady  Murray,  maid 

[g*  *  llr§.  Cope  of  this  work. 


418  DESPOTISM. 

of  Honor  to  the  Qi;een  of  England,  Baron  Jones-berg,  the 
millionaire  and  poet,  Mr.  Thackeray,  the  novelist  and  lecturer, 
Fanny  Fern,  the  eminent  writer,  Mrs.  Mowatt,  Mr.  Willis, 
Mr.  Bancroft,  Mr.  Bryant,  Mr.  Curtis,  the  lecturer,  Mr.  Hal- 
leck,  Senator  Brooks,  Dr.  Bedford,   Dr.   Francis,  Dr.  Beadle, 

Mr.  G ,  who  is  to  be  one  of  the  cardinals,  Mr.  Fuller,  the 

editor,  Bonner,  the  poet  and  editor.  Governor  Raymond,  and 
L.  G.  Clark,  the  editor. 

Lady  Murray,  will  you  allow  me  to  introduce  Baron  Jones- 
berg,  the  eminent  poet  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

The  Baron  bowed  gracefully. 

Baron,  your  fame  has  preceded  you.  Your  name  is  familiar 
to  my  ear.  When  are  we  to  be  favored  with  another  of  your 
beautiful  creations  ?  asked  Lady  Murray. 

O,  soon,  very  soon  ;  it  is  now  in  the  press,  said  the  Baron. 

What  subject  have  you  selected,  Buron,  ft)rthe  employment 
of  your  muse?  asked  Lady  Murray. 

Human  Life  is  the  subject  which  I  have  treated,  allegori- 
cally,  under  the  name  of  Bucephalus,  or  the  White  Horse, 
said  the  Baron. 

A  beautiful  idea,  Baron.  Excuse  me,  will  it  be  agreeable 
to  give  me  an  idea  of  the  machinery  of  your  poem  ?  asked 
Lady  Murray. 

;^[ost  willingly.  I  shall  have  much  pleasure  in  giving  you 
the  outline  of  my  great  work,  and  in  receiving  any  suggestions 
with  which  a  lady  of  your  eminence  in  the  literary  world  may 
please  to  favor  me.  You  have  done  me  the  honor  to  say  that 
you  have  heard  my  name  pronounced  as  a  poet;  have  you  in 
this  exciting  contest  been  informed  of  the  course  pursued  by 
me  as  a  leading  man  in  this  great  city  of  temperance  and  vir- 
tue ?  asked  the  Baron. 

I  have  not,  but  1  should  have  known  by  your  face,  Baron, 
that  you  were  not  indifferent  to  that  exciting  question,  said 
Lady  Murray. 


DESrOTJSM.  419 

I  thank  you,  Lady  Murray,  for  your  delicate  compliment. 
The  machinery  of  my  poem  is  a  copy  of  Homer's  Iliad.  For 
the  Goddess  of  Temperance  I  use  the  name  of  Clark.  For 
the  Genius  of  the  Law,  I  take  Whitehead.  For  the  majesty 
of  the  sovereign  State,  I  use  Hall.  For  Democracy,  I  have 
Whiting.  I  think  I  shall  not  introduce  all  the  Grecian  names 
nor  Grecian  mythological  characters ;  I  find  models  of  good 
and  bad  natures  in  abundance  in  this  virtuous  city  said  the 
Baron. 

Beautiful  !  Beautiful !  I  have  heard  of  these  persons  as  the 
emblems  of  the  virtues  and  the  vices,  but  I  did  not  know  till 
this  moment  that  they  were  destined  to  an  immortality  by 
having  their  names  placed  by  the  Homer  of  our  country  in 
the  highest  niches  of  Fame's  Great  Temple.  What  other 
allegorical  characters  have  you  introduced.  Baron  ?  asked 
Lady  Murray. 

For  the  vulgar  people,  nine  tenths  of  whom  are  poor,  and 
are,  you  know,  the  victims  of  the  wealth,  the  contumely  and 
the  insolence  of  the  other  tenth,  who  monopolize  all  the  vir- 
tues, I  have  taken  Carlin.  For  the  Lion  and  the  Lamb  I 
have  taken  Busteed  and  Stoughton.  For  Hercules  I  use 
Schuffer,  for  Mars  I  must  have  French,  for  Nestor  Griffin, 
for  Neptune  I  shall  have  Fillmore,  for  Apollo  Tracy.  I  am 
yet  without  an  emblem  of  Virtue.  My  friends  have  suggest- 
ed Stuart,  Bogert,  Turner,  Linn,  Van  Pelt,  Hyler,  McLaugh- 
ton  Irvino-,  Morrisey.  For  an  emblem  of  Satan  I  can  select 
from  the  bar,  from  the  aldermen,  or  the  Catholic  priesthood; 
but  to  be  judicious  1  must  wait  certain  developments. 

For  Sin  I  have  used  with  great  propriety  the  name  of  Ar- 
thur; it  seems  to  be  well  understood  among  the  people.  For 
Justice  I  shall  take  Beebe ;  I  believe  him  honest,  although  a 
lawyer.  For  the  horse  in  which  Homer  concealed  the  army 
with  which  he  invaded  Troy,  I  shall  take  the  name.  Old  White. 
I   have  read  my  poem  to  the  critics,  and  I  have  been  assured 


420  DESPOTISM. 

by  them  that  my  name  js  safe  for  jmmortality ;  sad  for  this 
opinion  I  have  not  heen  required  to  pay  unreasonably — the 
charges  of  some  were  positively  cheap.  I  differ  from  most 
■writers— I  think  well  of  the  critics.  They  certanily  have  dis- 
covered the  beauties  of  my  poem,  aod  I  am  now  safe  from  any 
attacks  from  the  vulgar  people,  said  the  Baron. 

My  desire  to  see  this  poem  is  intense.  Mr.  H.,  your  bro- 
ther poet,  and  author  of  a  pious  work,  has  intimated  that  he 
and  you  and  Mr.  M.,  the  rival  of  Shakspeare,  are  jointly  to 
give  the  world  a  poem,  in  imitation  of  Milton'^s  Paradise  Lost, 
I  am  assured  that  talents,  and  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the 
Scriptures,  eminently  qualify  you  all  for  the  performance  of 
this  popular  undertaking,  said  Lady  Murray. 

My  future  efforts  in  literature  will  be  regulated  by  the  re- 
ception that  may  be  given  to  Bucephalus;  if  the  people  think 
1  have  been  well  employed,  I  shall  continue  my  disinterested 
efforts  for  their  good,  said  the  Baron. 

If  you  write  no  more  till  yon  convince  the  people  that  you 
have  been  profitably  or  creditably  employed,  I  fear  your  litera- 
ture will  have  no  demand  till  the  price  is  redused^  said  Lady 
Murray. 

Tiie  Baron  seemed  slightly  in  doubt  respecting  the  equivo- 
cal compliment,  bot  he  bowed,  and  smiled  or  grinned. 

What  time  of  day  is  yoar  muse  most  obedient  to  the  calls 
of  inspiration  ?  asked  Lady  Murray. 

After  dinner  my  glass,  my  muse,  my  old  horse,  my  fame, 
my  billiard  table,  my  sports,  my  associates,  all  revolve  before 
my  eyes  in  that  beautiful  order  which  seems  to  result  from 
imbibing  inspiration  from  Helicon,  or  nectar  from  Rubicund. 
I  worship  in  no  temple.  Bacchus  is  my  god.  Once  each  day 
I  am  favored  with  a  delightful  ohfuscation,  that  transports  me 
to  Elysium,  or  to  my  chamber,  said  the  Baron. 

I  can  believe  you.  Baron.  Some  works  carry  an  internal 
evidence  of  their  origin — yours  I  am  sure  will  be  referred  by 


DESPOTISM.  421 

all  poets  to  Parnassus,  One  more  work,  conceived  in  the  spirit 
of  Bucephalus,  and  destined  to  equal  notoriety,  will  convey 
you,  your  fortune  and  your  fume  to  an  interminable  existence 
here,  or  to  an  unenvied  immortality  hereafter,  said  Lady 
Murray. 

The  Baron  smiled  with  much  self  satisfaction,  as  Lady  Mur- 
ray turned  to  join  her  friends. 

A  slight  movement  near  the  door  indicated  a  new  arrival. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  am  delighted  to  see  you  so  early.  I  shall  in- 
troduce you  to  all  my  friends  with  whom  you  are  not  ac- 
quainted;  many  of  them  you  have  met  often  at  balls  and  par- 
ties. There  is  one  young  man  here  to-night  from  New  Or- 
leans, who  has  recently  left  college,  and  has  spoken  to  Mr. 
Bayard  of  a  contemplated  tour  to  Europe.  I  do  not  know, 
and  I  presume  he  does  not  know  precisely  when  he  will  leave 
New  York.  He  has  recently  left  college,  and  seems  disposed 
to  embrace  any  opportunity  that  offers  for  seeing  the  world  in 
company  with  travelers  of  his  own  taste.  ■  I  shall  introduce 
you  to  him,  and  he  will  state  to  you  his  plans,  said  Mrs. 
Bayard. 

I  thank  you,  Mrs.  Bayard,  I  have  had  some  conversation 
recently  with  James,  and  he  will  give  me  no  encouragement 
of  visiting  Europe  for  the  present.  He  says  he  cannot  leave 
his  business  in  this  crisis.  I  am  under  obligations  to  you  for 
this  new  instance  of  your  kindness,  and  I  shall  never  cease  to 
feel  that  I  am  deeply  indebted  to  you  for  your  many  favors, 
and  for  the  many  hours  that  I  have  passed  so  pleasantly  in 
your  society.  Whenever  the  time  comes  that  James  can  leave 
his  business,  I  shall  go,  but  until  that  time  I  shall  try  to  for- 
get this  feeling.  I  need  not  telj  you  that  my  heart  was  set  on 
visiting  Europe,  for  you  know  how  strong  my  desire  was  to 
see  those  countries  of  which  I  have  heard  so  much.  I  have 
contemplated  a  tour,  till  my  desire  had  become  a  passion  that 
has  absorbed  all  my  thoughts.     I  have  now  nearly  overcome 


422  DESPOTISM. 

my  feelings — I  have  learned  that  I  cannot  go,  and  I  have  tried 
and  I  will  try  to  be  resigned  ;  but  I  cannot  tell  you  the  sacri- 
fice that  I  have  made.  I  do  suffer,  I  cannot  deny  it ;  but 
while  with  you  I  forget  the  passion  that  is  absorbing  all  my 
energies,  and  undermining  my  health,  and  possibly  shortening 
my  life.  You  will,  I  hope,  excuse  me — my  heart  is  full,  and 
you  must  give  me  time  to  unburthen  it.  I  shall  not  always  be 
with  you — I  wish  it  were  otherwise.  I  shall  be  called  away 
from  home,  and  from  these  delightful  scenes  consecrated  by 
influences  most  holy,  but  I  shall  often  recall  the  conversations 
that  I  have  had  at  your  house  with  you,  and  with  men  of  ge- 
nius and  ladies  of  great  benevolence.  Miss  N.,  Mrs.  Van 
Broom,  and  Mrs.  Vance  are  ever  in  my  mind — I  can  never 
forget  them.  They  are  noble  expounders  of  the  laws  of  duty, 
and  of  the  claims  of  poverty  and  suffering.  How  much  they 
have  tried  to  relieve  the  sufferings  of  those  who  were  rendered 
wretched  by  the  vices  placed  around  them.  For  every  person 
that  charity  could  relieve,  they  said  dozens  were  made  wretch- 
ed by  the  foul  influences  by  which  in  our  debased  city  they 
w^ere  surrounded.  The  liearts  of  these  ladies  were  not  made 
for  such  stern  duties.  All  who  engage  in  a  life  of  benevolence, 
have  to  work,  and  beg,  and  spend  their  own  money ;  and  is 
there  any  reward  for  such  sacri6ces  1  In  this  great  city,  with 
its  untold  vices,  is  not  all  effort  destined  to  be  crushed  out  ? 
Can  a  few  work  unceasingly,  where  vice  is  setting  in  like  a 
flood,  to  overwhelm  all  philanthropic  efforts'?  Should  not 
those  who  cherish  our  best  institutions  help  to  plant  virtue 
firmly  on  our  soil  ?  If  I  should  be  called  from  the  scene  of 
our  joint  duties,  and  our  joint  efforts  for  the  good  of  others, 
would  my  name  ever  be  recalled  by  any  circumstance  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

My  dear  Mrs.  Cope,  what  has  so  disturbed  your  mind  ? 
You  certainly  are  suffering  I  We  are  neglecting  our  friends. 
You  must  join  the  gay  party  in  the  other  room — do  you  hear 


DESPOTISM.  423 

them  laugh  ?     You  must  not   be   so   sad — you    distress  me, 
said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  know  I  am  not  in  health — I  know  I  should  not  feel  thus 
depressed ;  but  disappointment  has  worn  upon  my  heart,  and 
I  cannot  rise  above  my  sufferings !  I  have  given  up  the 
thought  of  visiting  Europe,  and  it  had  for  me  charms  beyond 
everything  that  this  world  can  offer.  This  seems  a  suitable 
time,  while  seated  here,  to  make  an  acknowledgment  that  I 
have  often  thought  I  had  deferred  too  long,  of  the  deep  debt 
of  gratitude  that  I  owe  to  you,  for  all  the  kindness  that  you 
have  bestowed  on  me.  I  came  to  this  city  and  to  the  avenue 
a  stranger ;  my  acquaintance  was  limited,  and  my  circle  of 
friends  was  small.  You  received  me  as  a  sister,  and  the  hours 
that  I  have  enjoyed  in  your  society  have  been  the  happiest  of 
my  life.  The  morning  call,  the  noonday  ride,  the  walk  by 
moonlight,  the  evening  party,  I  cannot  name  them  without 
emotion ;  the  very  thought  of  the  happy  hours  that  I  have 
passed  with  you  will  ever  delight  my  heart :  I  shall  in  imagi- 
nation often  linger  here.  Such  sentiments  as  you  have  always 
expressed,  such  truths,  such  views  of  a  virtuous  life,  such  love 
for  all  your  friends,  and  for  all  the  human  family,  to  me  it 
sometimes  seems  almost  like  inspiration  !  Nothing  can  erase 
such  images  from  my  mind ;  even  when  tossed  on  the  vast 
ocean  by  storms  overwhelming,  amid  lightnings  flushing,  and 
gales  of  terrific  horror,  when  ship  shall  dash  against  ship,  or 
against  iceberg  of  terrific  grandeur,  I  still  shall  turn  my 
thoughts  to  you.  If  I  live  to  return  to  my  beldved  hdme, 
with  you  and  all  my  friends  again  united,  life  will  smile  in 
happiness  around  us.  When  again  in  rural  scenes,  and  on 
Budd's  Lake,  where  we  have  sailed,  and  you  have  sung,  and 
we  have  conversed  in  happy,  happy  days —  When  rowed  by 
mortals  in  fairy  forms,  the  Misses  L.,  on  crystal  lake  so  lovely 
—  When  their  voices  like  angel  notes  entranced  all  hearts, 
O,  how  I    do  love  them —     When    on    the    margin    of  that 


424  DESPOTISM. 

charmed  lake,  in  the  cool  shade,  we  all  have  bailed,  those 
forms  of  beauty  none  on  earth  can  be  more  lovely —  In  fields 
of  quiet  beauty  we  gathered  berries,  and  decked  our  hair  with 
wild  roses —  When  seated  by  the  gurgling  brook,  the  birds 
■were  singing,  and  our  hearts  were  merry.  If  I  do  not  return, 
will  you  remember  me  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

My  dear  Mrs.  Cope,  will  you  tell  me  what  has  so  unhinged 
your  mind  ?  My  heart  aches  for  you.  I  will  do  anything  for 
you — ^you  know  I  can  never  forget  you ;  your  images  have 
called  up  past  scenes  under  such  peculiar  associations,  and  con- 
nected as  they  are  with  your  present  anxieties,  my  feelings 
have  overcome  me,  and  I  shall  attract  the  attention  of  my 
friends,  whom  we  have  neglected.  You  must  try  to  forget  in 
this  gay  scene,  all  thoughts  of  dark  hours  and  disappointed 
hopes;  you  must  join  the  merry  })arty,  you  must  not  be  thus 
desponding ;  I  beg  of  you  to  interest  yourself  in  this  merry 
scene  around  you.  Do  you  hear  Mr.  Sanford  laugh  1  He 
must  to  telling  some  merry  story.  He  has  been  to  France  of- 
ten, and  is  going  to  join  his  beloved  wife  and  five  children, 
now  in  Paris.  Who  can  be  so  happy  ?  Hark  !  do  you  know 
that  voice  ?  It  is  Mr.  Day's — he  is  the  merriest  of  the  merry. 
Can  you  look  on  such  a  scene  and  not  enter  with  a  light  heart 
into  their  enjoyments  ?  .  Only  see  the  crowded  room  and  the 
t^miling  faces !  The  dance  will  soon  commence — hear  their 
nierry  laugh  !  I  know  you  are  indisposed,  but  will  not  such 
a  scene  dispel  for  the  hour  the  pain  of  head  and  heart?  What 
can  I  do  to  raise  your  spirits  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

For  a  moment  Mrs.  Cope  concealed  her  face. 

I  shall  recover  soon.  This  gloom  seizes  on  my  mind  and  I 
am  completely  wretched;  and  again  I  recover,  and  life  seems 
crowded  with  enjoyment.  I  cannot  tell  why  I  am  thus  doomed 
to  suffer.  I  will  try  to  forget  all  my  sorrows  while  with  you, 
said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Do  you  hear  Mr.  Gilbert's  voice  1    Now  you  hear  him  laugh. 


DESPOTISM.  425 

He  is  one  of  the  most  accomplished  men  in  our  circle.  Now 
you  hear  Miss  Brown's  voice.  She  is  one  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful and  intellectual  girls  with  whom  I  was  ever  acquainted. 
If  you  meet  her  in  Europe  you  will  find  in  her  a  congenial 
mind  and  heart;  and  I  hope  you  will  cultivate  her  acquaint- 
ance for  my  sake.  You  now  hear  Miss  Collins.  She  is  ano- 
ther of  our  lovely  girls,  all  intellect  and  soul.  I  do  love  them 
all.  That  is  Mr.  Pearson's  voice.  He  is  one  of  the  most 
brilliant  young  men  in  this  city.  He  is  the  emblem  of  chivalry. 
He  would  die  to  save  the  life  of  a  child  !  Has  virtue  on  earth 
a  purer  emblem  1  Mr.  Benedict  is  on  the  other  side  of  the 
room.  He  is  always  in  demand  in  the  social  circle.  Near 
him  is  Mrs.  Mowatt ;  I  shall  introduce  you  to  her.  She  is  one 
of  my  most  valued  friends.  She  has  been  twice  to  Europe, 
and  contemplates  visiting  London  again  next  Spring.  Her 
parents  were  among  our  most  wealthy  and  most  valued  citi- 
zens, and  she  was  the  idol  of  a  large  circle.  At  an  early  age 
she  was  married  to  a  gentleman  of  eminent  talents,  then  filling 
a  place  in  the  first  rank  of  the  New  York  bar.  His  health 
was  impaired,  and  Mrs.  Mowatt,  with  the  devotion  of  a  true 
heroine,  stepped  from  a  palace  to  the  stage  !  Her  genius  has 
acquired  for  her  the  highest  place  in  the  dramatic  temple,  and 
she  is  soon  to  bow  at  another  matrimonial  altar.  The  fortu- 
nate aspirant  to  her  hand  and  heart  is  one  of  our  most  talented 
editors.  Her  father  claims  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars  that  should  have  filled  his  pockets,  and  have  cheered 
the  hearts  and  sweetened  the  enjoyments  of  a  numerous  family, 
all  of  whom  are  eminent  for  talent  and  for  virtue.  All  who 
know  her  are  her  ardent  friends,  and  all  hope  her  father  will 
obtain  the  justice  that  our  laws,  however  slow,  are  sure  to 
award.  Near  Mrs.  Mowatt  is  Fanny  Fern,  the  talented  wri- 
ter. She  is  one  of  the  most  fascinating  ladies  in  the  circle  of 
my  acquaintance.  She  is  a  widow  with  three  lovely  children  ; 
and  the  tongue  of  scandal  never  dared  to  utter  her  name.    Her 


426  DESPOTISM. 

hand  has  been  sought  by  more  than  one  man  of  genius,  and 
she  may  yet  consent  to  be  led  again  to  the  hymenial  altar. 
Near  Fanny  Fern  is  Mr.  Thackeray,  who  has  demonstrated 
the  scientific  fact  that  sovereigns  are  composed  of  the  same 
animal  nature  that  is  found  in  the  lower  classes,  both  of  Eu- 
rope and  America;  and  he  has  also  demonstrated  that  sove- 
reigns without  virtue  can  disgrace  their  country  and  their  race, 
said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  think  Mr.  Thackeray  was  unfortunate  in  his  selection  of  a 
subject  for  his  lectures.  He  is  known  to  be  a  fatalist,  and 
thinks  blind  chance  governs  all  things  ;  he  has  no  faith  in  a 
superintending  Providence,  none  in  virtue,  none  in  civilization, 
he  believes  in  nothing.  Do  you  believe  that  a  Divine  Provi- 
dence governs  the  universe  in  wisdom  and  goodness,  or  does 
fate  rule  all  things  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Cope,  you  have  read  and  conversed  and  speculated  on 
abstract  metaphysical  and  incomprehensible  questions  of  mor- 
als' and  religion,  till  you  have  lost  your  interest  in  everything 
around  you.  No  one  subject  should  engross  all  our  thoughts; 
speculations  in  religion  or  science  should  be  regarded  as  relax- 
ations, and  not  the  end  and  object  of  a  life-time.  Providence 
has  given  us  faculties  for  enjoyment,  and  rational  indulgence 
in  a  part  of  life.  A  good  Providence  rules  all  things,  or  the 
world  would  not  have  been  created.  We  must  take  life  as  we 
find  it ;  and  with  you,  I  am  sure,  it  is  all  happiness.  Who 
has  a  husband  and  son  like  your  husband  and  son  ?  I  can 
explain  no  mj'steries.  1  do  not  know  where  a  general  Provi- 
dence ends,  or  a  special  Providence  begins ;  and  I  do  not 
know  any  philosopher  or  theologian  who  does  know.  Beyond 
a  certain  point  all  is  uncertainty ;  and  for  you  to  involve  your 
mind  in  the  maze  of  speculation,  is  as  unprofitable  as  to  swal- 
low in  ignorance  the  dose  administered  by  ignorant  Catholic 
priests,  including  the  fictions,  traditions,  inventions,  and  abom- 
inations of  Pi  pery  and  its  Despotism.     Will  you  oblige  me  by 


D  E  S  P  O  T  I  8   JI  .  427 

walking  into  the  other  room  ?  We  are  spending  time  liere  that 
belongs  to  our  friends.     Mrs.  Day  is  now  approaching. 

Mrs.  Day,  I  will  make  you  acquainted  with  Mrs.  Cope. 
Mrs.  Cope  is  a  particular  friend  of  mine,  who  resides  in  this 
avenue.  She  has  a  strong  desire  to  visit  Europe.  It  is  pos- 
sible that  you  may  meet  in  England,  or  on  the  continent,  said 
Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  Day,  I  have  a  strong  desire  to  visit  Europe,  and  the 
thought  of  joining  a  party  like  yours,  has  aroused  a  feeling 
that  I  had  almost  overcome.  Mrs.  Bayard  has  informed  me 
that  you  have  selected  the  Arctic,  as  the  best  boat,  and  that 
you  and  your  party  all  intend  to  go  and  return  in  her.  I  am 
acquainted  with  many  of  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  here  assem- 
bled, and  I  must  be  permitted  to  say  that  no  company  of  equal 
number  could  be  assembled,  with  whom  I  should  regard  it  a 
privilege  to  make  a  voyage  to  Europe,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  shall  introduce  you  to  all  my  friends,  and  we  shall  be  de- 
lighted to  meet  you  in  England  or  on  the  continent,  said  Mrs. 
Day. 

How  long  have  you  and  Mr.  Day  contemplated  your  Euro- 
pean tour  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

The  moment  Mr.  Collins  had  completed  his  line  of  boats, 
and  their  success  was  certain,  we  resolved  to  cross  in  the  Arc- 
tic, and  all  of  my  circle  of  friends  adopted  the  same  resolution, 
said  Mrs.  Day. 

We  had  a  desire  to  encourage  an  enterprise  of  such  impor- 
tance to  the  country.  No  branch  of  science  has  been  carried 
to  the  same  perfection  as  steam,  and  no  country  has  equaled 
us  in  steamboats  ;  we  now  have  on  our  waters  twice  as  many 
as  all  Europe,  said  Mr.  Day,  as  Mrs.  Bayard  approached  with 
Mr.  Torrence. 

I  have  brought  Mr.  Torrence  to  you,  Mrs.  Cope.  Mrs. 
Cope,  Mr.  Torrence. 

Mr.  Torrence  bowed. 


428  DESPOTISM. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  am  pleased  to  make  your  acquaintance.  Mr.«. 
Bayard  has  informed  me  that  you  contemplate  a  foreign  tour, 
said  Mr.  Torrence. 

I  have  had  a  strong  desire  to  see  the  classic  spots,  dear  to 
all  persons  of  taste ;  but  when  I  am  to  be  indulged  is  involved 
in  uncertainty.  Shall  you  have  Philadelphia  friends  in  your 
party  ?  Mrs.  Bayard  is  determined  in  her  kindness  to  intro- 
duce me  to  all  who  contemplate  visiting  Europe,  said  Mrs. 
Cope. 

None  of  my  friends  contemplate  a  tour  this  season,  said  Mr. 
Torrence. 

Mrs.  Bayard  has  informed  me  that  you  are  acquainted  with 
Mrs.  Reed  and  Mrs.  Brown  ;  are  you  acquainted  with  my 
connections,  the  Copes  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  have  met  your  relatives  in  the  parties  to  which  I  have  had 
the  honor  to  be  admitted.  Mrs.  Rush  is  a  relative  of  mine, 
and  with  Mrs.  Sergeant,  and  the  circle  in  which  she  visits,  I 
am  w^ell  acquainted.  At  Mayor  Conrad's  I  have  met  Messrs. 
Cooper,  Stewart,  Bishop,  Furness,  Jones,  Clayhorn,  Fell, 
Myers,  Hopkins,  Cameron,  Thomas,  Wyman,  Penrose,  Cook, 
Jenkins,  Dallas,  Ingersoll,  Horace  Binoey,  T.  S.  Arthur,  Gra- 
ham, Cope,  Hacker,  Verrie,  J.  Sergeant,  Pepper,  Baldwin, 
Sartain,  Godey,  Leary,  Kimball,  Haseltene,  Hazard,  Free- 
man, Lieber,  Thomas,  Furness,  Stetson,  Moore,  Leland,  Ba- 
ker, Scott,  Jones,  Brown,  Hart,  Milay,  Mifflin,  Smith,  Chand- 
ler, Lippincott,  Bradford,  Grambo,  Sheble,  Florence,  Butler, 
Desilver,  Kay,-Cowperthwait,  Hugg,  Mitchell,  Peterson,  Scull, 
Barton,  Camblos,  and  Eidgway. 

All  of  them  are  highly  valued  friends  of  Mrs.  Push,  and  all 
of  them,  I  believe,  move  in  the  very  highest  circles  of  that 
aristocratic  city,  said  Mr.  Torrence. 

I  understood  Mrs.  Bayard  to  say  that  you  may  leave  the 
country  soon.     When  shall  you  go  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  have  not  yet  decided.     It  may  be  deferred  for  some  time. 


DESPOTISM.  429 

I  have  just  left  college,  and  I  am  undecided  whether  to  make 
a  tour  of  the  United  States  first,  or  to  proceed  immediately  to 
Europe,  said  Mr.  Torrence. 

When  I  go  to  Europe  I  shall  be  delighted  to  join  a  Phila- 
delphia or  a  New  York  party,  and  visit  the  most  interesting 
places  with  them.  I  have  had  a  strong  desire,  yes,  a  passion, 
Mrs.  Bayard  says,  to  visit  Europe ;  and  I  will  admit  to  you 
that  the  desire  has  haunted  me  incessantly.  I  do  not  know 
but  it  is  my  fate  to  suffer  for  my  errors,  but  my  feelings  are 
irresistible.  I  may  not  go  for  years,  and  yet  I  hope  to  go 
soon  ;  this  hope  has  sustained  me,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  will  go  any  where  with  a  party — their  company  would 
add  greatly  to  my  enjoyment.  I  will  go  to  Niagara  or  to  Lon- 
don, to  Constantinople  or  to  Cronstadt  !  I  M'ill  go  anywhere 
that  the  party  will  name,  said  Mr.  Torrence. 

You  are  just  the  man  for  me,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

My  father  is  Governor  of  Louisiana,  and  has  given  me  three 
years  in  which  to  see  the  world.  I  have  thrown  away  my 
books,  and  I  am  bound  to  spend  some  money  before  I  return 
to  New  Orleans.  I  will  go  with  the  party  from  the  Eifth 
Avenue,  of  which  Mrs.  Bayard  has  told  me  so  much,  or  I  will 
go  without  them.  I  will  go  with  you  and  Mr.  Cope,  and  take 
our  chance  of  meeting  friends,  or  I  will  go  with  you  alone^  and 
if  Mr.  Cope  cannot  join  you,  I  will  return  with  you,  said  Mr. 
Torrence. 

Mr.  Torrence,  this  is  all  very  fine,  very  romantic ;  and  would 
it  not  make  a  most  interepting  piece  of  news  for  the  morning 
papers  ?  It  would  produce  as  much  excitement  as  the  one 
published  by  that  infamous  sheet  respecting  Mrs.  W.  Let  us 
see  how  it  would  read. 

"  Elopkment  in  High  Life. — Ran  away  in  the  Arctic,  Mr. 
Torrence,  of  New  Orleans,  a  single  gentleman,  with  Mrs. 
Cope,  wife  of  James  Cope,  merchant,  now  residing  at  No.  610 
Fifth  Avenue  1    It  is  supposed  that  they  are  rapidly  approach- 


430  DESPOTISM. 

ing  Gretna  Green  !     The  singularity  of  this  romantic  affair  is 
that  Mrs.  Cope  has  taken  a  child  with  her !" 

This  is  excellent !  It  will,  I  am  sure,  produce  a  sensation 
for  at  least  two  weeks,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Beautiful !  beautiful !  I  want  a  wife — 0,  I  will  have  a  wife 
— I  have  always  said  I  would  have  a  wife  !  Come,  I  am 
ready,  are  you  ?  When  does  the  Arctic  sail  ?  asked  Mr.  Tor- 
rence. 

This,  certainly,  would  be  excellent;  I  sliould  admire  to  hear 
the  regrets  that  would  be  uttei-ed  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  !  But 
perhaps  I  am  carrying  this  joke  too  far.  My  mind  is  dis- 
turbed ;  I  am  the  constant  victim  of  despondency,  or  I  am  car- 
ried by  my  natural  flow  of  spirits  to  the  excess  of  enjoyment. 
I  am  sure  there  are  some  hearts  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  that 
M'ould  beat  with  deepest  sorrow  if  I  should  run  away  !  I 
should  die  if  I  did  nut  tliink  so  !  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  know  one  who  would  be  as  serious  as  you  have  seemed  to 
be  for  a  few  w-eeks,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  do  not  njean  to  run  away  with  a  young  man  exactly,  but 
if  I  should  be  found  among  the  missing,  you  can  ask  them  in 
the  avenue,  if  my  absence  causes  any  regret?  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  know  that  your  absence  from  this  avenue  would  wound 
many,  many  hearts  !  But  I  am  delighted  to  learn  that  you 
and  Mr.  Torrence  are  going  to  run  away.  It  has  diverted 
your  mind,  and  I  hope  you  will  mature  your  plans  immedi- 
ately, said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mr.  Torrence,  my  husband  intends  to  visit  Europe  himself, 
when  his  business  will  permit ;  but  suppose  he  should  oppose 
my  going  with  the  party,  what  ought  I  to  do  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Go  without  his  consent !  said  Mr.  Torrence. 

Go  without  his  consent,  did  you  say,  Mr.  Torrence  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

I  did  say  so,  said  Mr.  Torrence. 


DESPOTISM.  431 

Mrs.  Cope  turned  abruptly  and  joined  Mrs.  Bayard  and  her 
friends. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  what  do  you  think  of  that  gay  young  fellow 
to  whom  you  introduced  me  ?  I  was  never  so  much  amused 
by  any  person  in  my  life.  I  do  positively  believe  that  he 
wants  to  run  away  with  me,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

He  is  one  of  the  best  young  men  in  our  circle,  and  at  our 
house  we  regard  him  as  the  most  agreeable,  most  talented  and 
accomplished  young  man  with  whom  we  were  ever  acquainted, 
said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

He  has  no  thought  of  going  to  Europe,  has  he  ?  asked  Mrs. 
Cope. 

You  heard  his  remarks.  We  know  no  more  respecting  his 
views.  I  think  he  will  go  when  you  do.  Excuse  me,  I  do 
D^t  mean  to  intimate  that  you  will  not  go,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Is  he  as  wealthy  as  he  is  talented  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

■Augustus  says  his  father  is  one  of  the  richest  men  in  New 
Orleans,  and  that  he  is  an  only  son.  His  habits  are  good,  and 
his  mind  is  brilliant,  with  a  slight  tinge  of  gravity,  or  some  call 
it  piety ;  but  I  suppose  you  would  not  consider  him  any  better 
for  that,  in  these  skeptical  days,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

1  certainly  should  like  him  better  for  entertaining  a  pure 
faith,  and  I  should  not  associate  with  any  man  so  foolish  as  ti> 
call  Mary  a  God.  Half  the  residents  of  New  Orleans  are 
Catholics,  and  attend  theatres  and  other  bad  places  on  Sun- 
day.    Is  he  a  Catholic  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

He  is  not.  If  he  were,  I  would  not  admit  him  to  my  house, 
said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Is  he  an  honorable  young  man  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

He  is  said  by  Mrs.  Eush  and  Mrs.  Brown  to  be  the  most 
honorable,  gentlemanly  and  accomplished  young  man  with 
whom  they  are  acquainted.  They  would  like  to  keep  him  in 
Philadelphia.  You  know  they  have  rich  and  elegant  ladies  to 
dispose  of,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 


432  DESPOTISM. 

Do  you  suppose  that  I  could  go  to  Europe  with  a  party  of 
ladies  and  gentlemen  without  censure,  if  the  world  should  know 
that  a  young  man  was  to  be  my  attendant  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

The  impropriety  would  consist  in  the  equality  of  your  ages, 
and  your  being  so  young.  I  would  not  advise  you  to  go  with 
Mr.  Torrence,  but  you  do  not  think  Mr.  Cope  would  give  iiis 
consent  on  any  conditions,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

What  if  he  would  not  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

What  if  he  would  not  ?  I  don't  understand  such  a  question, 
said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

No,  I  should  not  have  asked  such  a  question.  It  certainly 
was  very  foolish,  but  it  arose  to  my  mind,  and  I  let  it  out,  said 
Mrs.  Cope. 

A  person  of  my  age  might  go  with  Mr.  Torrence,  or  any 
young  man  of  his  respectability  with  perfect  propriety.  I  can- 
not go  at  this  time,  you  know  very  well,  but  I  do  mean  to  go 
in  one  or  two  years;  and  if  Augustus  cannot  go  with  me  I 
shall  go  with  some  party.  When  I  am  ready  to  leave  I  shall 
not  ask  my  loving  husband  if  I  may  go,  I  gue?s;  all  the  New 
York  ladies  go  to  Europe,  and  many  go  without  the  protection 
of  any  person,  said  Mrs.  Bayard,  as  Mr.  Torrence  approached 
again. 

Mr.  Torrence,  you  say  that  you  intend  to  visit  Europe  at 
some  time,  and  you  are  not  particular  when  you  go  :  is  that 
the  case  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

That  is  exactly  my  case,  said  Mr.  Torrence. 

Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  call  at  our  house  occasionally  ? 
I  shall  in  the  mean  time  meet  you  ofien,  I  hope,  at  Mrs.  Ba- 
yard's, said  Mrs  Cope,  as  she  turned  to  join  her  friends. 

This  large  party  was  dancing,  singing,  and  conversing. 
Among  them  were  men  of  great  genius,  and  ladies  of  suipass- 
ing  beauty.  Wit  sparkled,  and  solid  sense  commanded  the 
ear  of  the  eminent,  the  rich,  the  gay,  the  happy.  All  were 
soon  to  embark  in  scenes  of  enjoyment  that  to  the  intellectual 


DESPOTISM.  433 

cannot  be  surpassed.  Persons  of  great  wealth  were  there, 
and  persons  of  great  expectation.  Among  them  were  all  ages. 
Who  could  look  without  deep  interest  on  such  a  scene?  A 
fancy  sketch  of  such  a  party  would  interest,  but  this  was  more 
than  fancy's  sketch ;  the  party  was  assembled,  and  it  was  joy- 
ous and  happy.  They  were  all  happy  in  the  society  of  each 
other,  and  more  happy  in  the  thoughts  of  enjoyments  to  come. 
Happy  in  the  contemplation  of  visiting  together  scenes  conse- 
crated by  genius  and  by  associations  of  the  most  interesting 
nature.  Girls  and  boys,  gentlemen  and  ladies,  parents  and 
children  were  there.  Young  men,  and  young  ladies  with  sus- 
ceptible hearts  were  there.  Could  they  fail  to  form  attach- 
ments that  would  last  beyond  the  tour,  and  beyond  the  scenes 
which  in  imagination  are  life's  richest  pleasures  ?  If  life  can 
have  enjoyments  which  to  all  the  intellectual  are  deeper  and 
stronger  than  all  others,  they  are  to  be  found  in  conversation, 
in  exchange  of  thought,  in  language  of  friendship,  in  love  with 
all  around  us,  in  sentiments  glowing  with  genius,  when  wit 
shall  charm,  and  sense  shall  fill  the  happy  hour.  Conversation 
is  the  guage  of  intellectual  gifts,  and  for  its  display  demands 
every  accomplishment  that  education  in  its  highest  mission  can 
give.  It  was  a  scene  of  gushing,  joyous,  happy  life,  and  com- 
menced here  in  the  Fifth  Avenue  ;  it  was  to  be  renewed,  con- 
tinued, and  extended  for  the  whole  voyage,  and  the  whole  tour, 
and  all  were  to  be  united  in  the  same  place,  and  in  the  same 
joyous  spirit,  when  they  should  have  returned.  Who  can  con- 
template with  indifference  a  scene  so  deeply  interesting  ?  Was 
it  post-ible  for  persons  so  young,  with  hearts  so  free,  so  full  of 
life,  of  hope,  of  happiness,  of  love,  to  meet  every  day  in  the 
quiet  cabin  consecrated  to  intellectual  enjoyments,  and  not 
feel  for  each  other  a  mutual  affection  ? 

During  the  voyage  they  were  to  be  separated  from  the  busy 
world,  and  they  were  to  rely  on  each  other  for  the  highest  en- 
joyments that  cultivated  intellect  and  superior  refinement  could 
19 


434  DESPOTISM. 

give.  Can  such  a  scene  eveu  now  be  contemplated  without 
emotion  ?  This  slight  allusion  to  it  we  fear  will  cause  many 
a  pang,  and  wound  many  a  heart.  All  hearts  were  gay,  all 
thoughts  were  on  the  future.  Mrs.  Cope  was  carried  unwill- 
ingly to  the  very  midst  of  the  gay  scene. 

Mrs.  Cope  and  you,  Mrs.  Bayard,  must  both  go  with  us ; 
we  cannot  go  without  you.  We  want  your  lively  conversa- 
tion, we  want  your  merry  voices,  we  want  the  charm  that 
genius  and  high  attainments  alone  can  give,  said  Mr.  Sanford. 

I  shall  not  think  of  going  at  present.  Mrs.  Cope  may  be 
induced  to  depart  from  a  resolution  that  she  has  formed  not  to 
leave  till  Mr.  Cope  can  accompany  her,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

She  must  go.  We  want  the  glowing  thoughts  that  have 
spell-bound  so  many  who  have  fallen  within  the  sphere  of  her 
influence,  and  that  few  on  earth  can  claim.  You  will  excuse 
me,  Mrs.  Cope.  What  have  I  said  that  has  touched  a  sacred 
chord  ?  I  spoke  from  my  iieart,  but  I  will  say  no  more.  Un- 
der favorable  circumstances  I  could  make  up  a  party,  with 
whom  to  visit  Europe  would  be  our  highest  happinets.  Must 
we  excuse  you  both  ?  asked  Mr.  Benedict. 

Mr.  Pearson  joined  in  this  request.  Mrs.  Cope  placed  her 
handkerchief  to  her  face.  Miss  Collins,  who  had  been  a  care- 
ful observer,  approached  Mrs.  Cope,  and  in  deep  sympathy 
stood  near  her,  while  others  were  attracted  to  the  spot. 

Mrs.  Cope,  my  father  has  selected  the  Arctic,  under  Captain 
Luce,  as  the  boat  for  my  mother  and  myself  to  cross  the  At- 
lantic, to  scenes  as  dear  as  life  to  you,  to  me,  to  all,  who  have 
our  tastes.  My  father  has  said  that  Captain  Luce  would  die 
to  save  us,  if  the  awful  alternative  were  demanded  of  him ! 
But  nothing  can  happen.  My  father  would  sooner  resign 
the  world,  and  sink  forever  from  happiness  that  seems  perfect, 
than  he  would  suffer  any  accident  to  my  mother  or  myself. 
You  will  excuse  me,  Mrs.  Ccpe.  There  is  no  such  parent  as 
ray  father  1     With  every  affection  of  his  heart,  are  woven  ties 


DESPOTISM.  435 

that  are  stronger  than  the  love  of  life ;  on  me,  however  unde- 
serving, he  has  centered  the  hopes,  and  fears,  and  aflfections  of 
a  devoted  life.  If  any  one  man  lives  for  others,  and  cannot 
live  but  in  their  presence,  it  is  my  father.  Do  you  think  he 
would  allow  us  to  go  on  board  a  dangerous  boat  ?  Mrs.  Cope 
will  you  make  one  of  our  happy  party  ?  asked  Mits  Collins. 

I  cannot  go  !  said  Mrs.  Cope.     She  could  say  no  more. 

Do  not,  I  ask  you  in  kindness,  do  not  yield  to  any  feeling, 
said  Miss  Collins. 

I  cannot  go,  and  I  never  shall  go,  said  Mrs.  Cope,  as  she 
withdrew  for  the  night. 

The  following  week  Mrs.  Bayard  called  on  Mrs.  Cope. 

James,  come  to  me.  Are  you  well  ?  You  do  not  look  aa 
if  you  were  in  perfect  health,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  am  not  well — I  have  a  pain,  said  James. 

Mrs.  Cope  came  into  the  room. 

Mrs.  Cope,  do  you  think  we  are  as  thankful  as  we  should 
be  for  such  healthy  children  ?  asked  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  hope  I  am.  I  am  sure  I  ought  to  be  thankful.  Of  all  the 
blessings  of  life,  children  and  health  are  those  for  which  M-e  are 
most  deeply  indebted.  James,  you  know,  has  always  been 
very  healthy,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  have  just  asked  James  if  he  were  well.  I 
think  I  see  indications  of  his  having  received  an  injury,  and  on 
that  account  I  asked  him  the  question,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

O,  mercy !  You  do  not  see  anything,  do  you  ?  I  shall 
never  forgive  myself!  Have  I  neglected  him  ?  What  do  you 
discover?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  am  not  a  physician,  but  I  think  James  may  have  had  a  fall, 
and  have  received  an  injury  that  will  make  him  a  cripple  for 
life,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  I  shall  never  smile  again  !  You  do  not  think 
that  James  is  to  be  a  cripple  ?  I  shall  give  up  the  worlJ,  and 
never  more  have  another  happy  moment !     Do  you  really  sup- 


436  DESPOTISM. 

pose  that  I  have  been  the  cause  of  all  his  injuries?  I  will  send 
immediately  for  Dr.  Bogert !  I  do  hope  he  will  come  instant- 
ly !  I  cannot  wait !  "Will  he  ever  come  ?  IIow  long  shall 
we  have  to  waif?     Where  can  he  be  ? 

Dr.  Bogert  arrived,  and  examined  the  injury. 

It  seems  quite  serious,  said  the  Doctor. 

You  know,  Dr.  Bogert,  James  has  always  been  a  healthy 
child,  a  very  healthy  boy.  There  is  nothing  to  be  seen — I 
know  there  is  nothing!  I  told  Mrs.  Bayard  there  was  nothing 
to  be  seen  !  Say  there  is  nothing,  Doctor,  will  you  ?  asked 
Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  am  very  sorry  to  say  that  James  has  had  a 
fall,  and  hus  been  injured  seriously,  and  it  may  be  for  life  !  I 
must  be  allowed  time  to  decide,  but  it  will  certainly  require 
years  to  restore  him,  said  Dr.  Bogert. 

Mrs.  Cope  did  not  speak  for  a  few  minutes — her  sufferings 
seemed  too  deep  for  utterance.     She  spoke. 

Doctor,  if  James  is  to  die,  I  have  no  wish  to  live!  Save 
him!     Save  his  life  for  my  sake!  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Bayard  called  again  at  Mrs.  Cope's. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  I  am  overwhelmed  with  affliction  !  I  cannot 
go  out — I  cannot  tell  you  how  much  I  am  suffering  !  You 
are  very  kind  to  call  so  often.  Dr.  Bogert  saw  James  yester- 
day, and  has  called  frequently ;  but  he  gives  us  but  little  en- 
couragement. What  shall  I  do  ?  I  cannot  bear  to  hear  a 
pleasant  sound  !  I  cannot  look  at  the  coach  !  I  shall  never 
ride  again  in  that  coach  !  I  cannot  live  !  James  will  not  re- 
cover, I  know  he  will  not !  You  do  not  think  he  will,  do  you  ? 
asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Cope,  you  must  not  yield  to  any  excess  of  feeling. 
Have  confidence  in  our  most  skillful  physicians.  They  will 
restore  James,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Would  you  recommend  my  visiting  Philadelphia,  and  con- 


DESPOTISM.  437 

suiting  Dr.  Rush,  or  would  you  go  to  London,  and  consult  Sir 
James  Clark  ?   asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  would  do  neither.  I  recommend  your  waiting  patiently 
for  Dr.  Bogert's  report.  No  physician  can  do  more  than  he 
can.  He  is  the  first  physician  in  the  city.  James  is  young, 
nature  is  kind,  and  he  may  yet  outgrow  the  injury  ;  and  I  sin- 
cerely hope  he  will.  I  do  deeply  sympathize  with  you,  and  I 
know  how  much  you  must  suffer,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  need  not  tell  you  that  my  heart  is  full  I  A  few  days  ago 
I  was  happy.  The  world  smiled,  and  I  had  no  more  to  ask. 
Now  I  am  suffering  too  deeply  for  life  1  My  spirits  are  gone, 
and  have  left  me  without  hope  !  James  was  my  life,  my  hap- 
piness, and  I  did  not  think  that  he  could  lose  his  health  !  But 
yesterday  he  was  all  life — his  faculties  seemed  more  than  bril- 
liant ;  he  was  ever  with  me,  and  no  parent  was  more  devoted 
to  a  child,  none  more  happy.  I  shall  go  and  see  if  any  of  my 
friends  are  acquainted  with  an  eminent  physician,  said  Mrs. 
Cope. 

The  next  week  Mrs.  Bayard  called  again  on  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  have  seen  Mrs.  Stuyvesant,  and  she  has  informed  me  that 
Sir  James  Clark,  of  London,  can  undoubtedly  cure  James. 
She  has  recently  returned  from  Europe-,  and  has  heard  of  his 
skill.  He  is  the  Queen's  physician.  Mrs.  Stuyvesant  advises 
me  to  leave  immediately,  but  my  husband  says  it  will  be  of  no 
use  to  visit  London,  as  there  can  be  no  better  physician  than 
Dr.  Bogert,  and  under  no  circumstances  can  he  go  at  present. 
Now,  what  shall  I  do  ?  You  would  not  go  without  him,  would 
you  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

On  no  account  must  you  think  of  such  a  step,  said  Mrs. 
Bayard. 

I  am  in  deep  distress — I  cannot  sleep,  I  cannot  eat,  I  am  in 
deep  despondency  !  I  shall  sink  under  my  sufferings,  I  can- 
not live  !  I  have  yielded  all  the  enjoyments  of  life  !  No  more 
shall  I  ride  or  walk  with  you  I     I  know  my  senses  will  give 


438 


D  E  S  P  O  T  I 


way  !  I  feel  now  a  burning  fever  in  my  brain  !  No  more 
shall  shady  walks,  and  quiet,  happy  rural  scenes  delight  me — 
the  notes  of  melody,  the  songs  of  birds,  the  evening  dance,  can 
I  resign  them  all  ?  The  garden's  fragrance,  the  purling  brooks, 
the  flowers  on  their  banks,  the  ride  at  Sudbury  no  more  will 
have  charms  for  me  !  The  lovely  lakes,  the  landscapes  dressed 
in  living  green,  the  clustering  berries  that  invite  our  daily 
walks ;  shall  I  never  visit  these  scenes  again  ?  The  lofty  moun- 
tain, called  Mount  Hyde,  the  ascent  to  which  wound  round 
and  round,  and  on  all  below  we  gazed  in  transports  of  delight ! 
On  its  apex  we  sat,  and  read,  and  conversed,  while  zephyrs 
fanned  our  faces,  and  wafted  fragrance  from  trees  and  shrubs 
and  strawberry  beds.  Can  I  resign  all  that  made  life  so  happy  ? 
To  deepest  sorrow  I  now  must  yield  myself — I  ask  no  more 
for  life!  Adieu  to  all !  Adieu  the  merry  dance  !  Adieu,  my 
happy  home,  my  family !  In  deepest  sorrow  here  I  kneel  ! 
My  heart  now  is  sinking  !  Adieu,  the  altar  that  would  dispel 
the  pangs  of  death  that  may  come  in  scenes  too  appalling  ! 
0  Heaven  I  am  I  to  be  rescued,  or  sink  in  sorrow  to  an  early 
grave  ?  My  strength  is  failing — I  know  that  I  shall  lose  my 
senses ! 

Mrs.  Cope  remained  in  this  paroxysm  and  was  unconscious 
for  a  few  minutes. 

My  dear  Mrs.  Cope,  your  sufferings  are  too  great,  and  I  do 
sympathize  with  you;  but  I  am  sure  you  look  too  much  on 
the  dark  side  of  the  picture ;  you  do  not  know  but  James  will 
yet  recover  his  health,  and  you  should  not  yield  to  such  ex- 
cessive grief.  In  a  few  days  Dr.  Bogert  will  be  able  to  say 
with  certainty  what  can  be  done.  His  skill  is  not  surpassed 
by  any  physician  in  this  or  any  other  city.  I  should  rely  with 
confidence  on  his  treatment,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  thank  you  for  your  consolation;  but  my  heart  has  sus- 
tained the  wound  that  on  earth  cannot  be  healed.  I  constantly 
see  sights  and  dream  of  horrid  disasters,  from  which  none  es- 


DESPOTISM.  439 

cape.  I  can  almost  imagine  that  I  am  now  present  in  scenes 
which  may  come  at  some  future  time.  I  think  my  mind  is  too 
powerfully  excited  for  my  health.  I  see  even  now  the  sight 
that  drives  me  to  despair  !  I  see  a  storm  that  now  is  raging  ! 
Look  !  the  boat  is  buried  in  ocean  weaves — now  she  rises- 
see  consternation  in  every  face  !  0  God  !  thy  arm  alone  can 
save  us  now  !  Where  are  the  boats  ?  Wliere  are  the  crew  ? 
They  are  preparing  to  desert  us  in  our  dying  moments  !  All 
now  is  darkness,  despair,  and  certain  death  !  No  boat  is  near, 
and  we  are  sinking !  Do  you  hear  those  screams  of  dying 
agony  ?  Is  there  a  man  who  will  not  try  to  save  us  ?  O,  see 
beauty,  infancy,  mothers,  fathers,  all  clinging  in  affection  in 
their  last  moments  to  each  other  !  A  form  has  dropped  !  O 
Heaven,  save  him  for  his  wife  and  children!  Another  now 
has  fallen  !  She  has  sunk  to  rise  no  more!  No  grave  ever 
claimed  so  rich  a  boon  !  Heaven  have  mercy  on  us ! — tho 
wave  is  now  on  the  bow — I  cannot  look  on  such  a  scene !  O, 
let  me  die!  All  now  are  sinking  to  the  grave  that  of  all 
others  most  appalls  the  heart !  What  boat  is  that  ?  See,  now 
it  is  crowded  full  of  men — will  they  not  take  my  child  ?  Can 
it  be  it  is  sailing  off!  Have  they  hearts,  and  can  they  leave 
us  here  to  die  ?  See,  he  waves  his  hand,  he  has  left  his  be- 
trothed to  die  !  Have  men  turned  fiends  ?  Hail  him — hail 
him,  I  say  1  Call  him  back  ]  Her  parents  cannot  live  and 
mourn  her  loss  !  0  Heaven — he  looks,  but  will  not  come  to 
save  the  life  of  her  whom  he  has  sworn  to  save  or  die!  I  did 
not  think  of  death  like  this  !  Captain  Luce,  you  will  save  one 
lady  !  You  have  saved  none  !  O,  see  that  young  man — he 
holds  to  his  heart  a  child — the  mother  lies  at  his  feet !  Cap- 
tain Luce,  Captain  Luce,  will  you  save  this  darling  boy?  It 
is  my  only  child — I  have  no  more  !  I  know  you  will,  you  have 
a  heart,  I  am  sure  you  have !  0,  see  that  boat — it  is  sailing 
off,  and  the  sailors  have  left  us  here  to  die  !  Kiss  me,  James  ! 
again !     Where  is  my  husband  ?    Call  him — he  is  not  here  ! 


440  •  DESPOTISM. 

I  see  a  form  clinging  to  the  broken  timbers !  His  struggTes 
now  are  nearly  ended — he  dies,  he  dies  !  This  is  no  dream  f 
You  do  not  say  I  dream  !  O,  this  pressure  on  my  brain — I 
know  that  I  am  dying  !  Death's  cold  hand  is  clutching  at  my 
heart,  and  tearing  it  from  my  breast !  I  know  that  I  must 
die! 

Mrs.  Cope  remained  delirious  for  nearly  three  days,  and  was 
constantly  impressed  with  the  idea  that  she  was  suffering  be- 
yond the  power  of  the  mind  to  endure,  and  was  doomed  to  an 
untimely  death.  The  most  eminent  physicians  were  consulted, 
but  they  pronounced  the  complaint  to  be  mental,  and  not  to 
be  reached  by  their  skill.  The  names  of  those  who  were  re- 
cently introduced  to  her,  were  the  forms  that  constantly  ap- 
peared in  her  ravings.  Anodynes,  and  perfect  absence  of  all 
exciting  causes,  were  all  that  skill  could  suggest.  She  slowly 
recovered. 

My  dear  James,  Mrs.  Bayard  has  been  with  me  nearly  all 
day,  but  her  kindness  has  not  relieved  my  sufferings.  I  do 
think  my  mind  is  affected  f  Mrs.  Bayard  has  only  recommend- 
ed me  to  wait  patiently  for  Dr.  Bogert  to  effect  a  cure,  but  I 
know  he  will  not  be  able  to  restore  James.  You  must  go  with 
me  to  London,  or  allow  me  to  go  with  the  party  under  the  care 
of  Mr.  Torrence,  Mr.  Day,  Mr.  Sanford,  Mr.  Benedict,  and 
the  other  persons  with  whom  we  are  acquainted.  You  know 
we  have  friends  in  London,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Emma,  I  cannot  bear  the  thought  of  separation  ;  perhaps  I 
may  yet  be  able  to  leave,  but  I  must  have  you  and  James 
with  me,  you  cannot  go  !  I  must  refuse  my  consent  I  I  am 
sorry  to  refuse  anything  that  you  may  ask,  but  after  mature 
reflection,  I  have  come  to  this  resolution,  which  I  have  now 
communicated  to  you.  I  have  millions  of  property  in  my  care, 
for  friends  by  whom  it  has  been  intrusted,  and  I  must  wait  a 
short  time,  said  Mr.  Cope. 

And  is  that  all  on  which  I  am  to  build  the  hopes  of  life  ?    I 


DESPOTISM.  441 

yield  all !  My  heart  cannot  long  sustain  these  pangs  !  Can 
I  do  nothing  ?  James  might  be  restored,  I  am  sure  Sir  James 
Clark  can  restore  him  !  Come  sickness,  come  death,  I  fear 
you  not — you  are  welcome  visitors  !  I  will  wait  a  few  days, 
and  then  will  call  on  my  friends. 

Some  days  after,  Mrs.  Cope,  still  in  deep  despondency, 
walked  out  and  called  on  Mrs.  Murray. 

Mrs.  Murray,  I  am  in  deep  affliction.  You  know  my  dar- 
ling son  James,  you  have  seen  him  often.  He  is  now  a  cripple  ! 
I  fear  he  cannot  be  restored  by  Dr.  Bogert,  who,  you  know,  is 
the  most  eminent  physician  in  the  city.  Mrs.  Stuyvesant  says 
Sir  James  Clark,  of  London,  can  restore  him,  but  my  husband 
will  not  go  with  me,  nor  will  he  allow  me  to  go  without  him. 
"What  would  you  do  ?  He  is  a  darling  husband,  you  know, 
said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Do  you  say  that  your  husband  will  not  allow  you  to  go  with- 
out him  ?  asked  Mrs.  Murray. 

I  do,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Take  no  notice  of  your  husband — go  without  his  knowledge  ! 
You  are  no  woman  !  I  should  like  to  have  my  husband  say 
that  I  should  not  go  to  Europe  !  I  shall  go  when  I  please  ; 
and  if  you  are  the  woman  that  I  think  you  to  be,  you  will  go 
at  once.  You  may  call  on  me  for  funds.  It  is  time  that  one 
half  the  world  were  free  from  servile  dependence  on  the  other 
half;  the  husbands  are  all  tyrants  or  Dolly  Spankers.  The 
world  is  learning  wisdom — women's  rights  will  yet  be  respect- 
ed. Strong-minded  women  are  accomplishing  all  of  this.  You 
must  join  our  society — I  will  propose  you.  You  know  they 
meet  at  my  house.  The  Eev.  Miss  Stone  and  Abby  Folsom 
will  correct  all  the  abuses  of  the  world,  and  prepare  us  for  per- 
fect happiness.  "We  shall  make  the  Eev.  Miss  Stone  Presi- 
dent. She  will  put  this  wicked  world  in  order,  and  will  com- 
mence, by  the  aid  of  the  Abolitionists,  and  set  the  negroes  all 
free.     What  should  we  wait  for  ?    We  are  Perfectionists,  and 


442  DESPOTISM. 

can  accomplish  anything;  we  know  we  are  right.  "We  intend 
the  blacks  shall  eat  at  the  same  table,  and  ride  in  the  same 
car  with  the  ladies  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  and  marry  their 
daughters.  That  will  be  delightful  !  You  know  Massachu- 
setts has  made  a  law  on  purpose,  and  numerous  happy  black 
and  white  alliances  followed.  Our  minister  has  urged  in  the 
pulpit  the  necessity  of  resorting  to  a  deadly  conflict  to  op- 
pose the  institutions  of  half  the  nation.  He  is  now  to  commence 
with  Parker,  and  preach  a  crusade  through  the  free  States.* 
He  says  he  is  ready  to  place  the  powder,  or  fire  the  gun  that 
shall  destroy  a  Union  no  longer  worth  preserving !  Nearly 
all  the  Abolitionists  have  some  black  relations  ;  were  not  black 
and  white  men  born  free  and  equal  ?  Jefferson  said  they 
were.  I  think  the  world  will  yet  learn  that  we  have  the  tal- 
ents, if  we  have  not  the  power  of  the  lords  of  the  Creation.  It 
is  high  time  that  we  passed  the  laws  that  will  elevate  our  noble 
natures.  What  can  we  not  do,  if  we  undertake  it  1  And 
what  can  poor  fallen  and  degenerate  man  do  to  elevate  and 
ennoble  our  characters  ?  Certainly  nothing  !  We  must  make 
the  laws,  and  we  will  make  them  !  Go  to  Europe,  Mrs.  Cope 
— never  mind  what  your  husband  says  !  My  husband  goes  to 
lectures,  and  I  go  to  the  theatre ;  sometimes  I  go  every  night, 
and  stay  as  long  as  I  please — I  do  not  hurry  home.  Why 
sliDuld  I  hurry  home  '?  All  the  children  have  nurses — you 
know  we  have  four — the  youngest  child  is  nearly  four  months 
old.  I  go  to  all  the  parties,  and  get  home  at  one  or  two 
o'clock,  and  I  breakfast  at  eleven  or  twelve  ;  that  is  the  way 
for  us  to  show  our  independence.  If  we  stand  up  for  our 
rights,  the  lords  of  Creation  will  soon  yield  to  us;  they  shall 
be  made  to  do  their  duty.      When  I  decide  to  go  to  the  thea- 


*  Parker  was  recently  m.arried  in  Brooklyn.  N.  Y.,  to  Jessie  Acker,  a  negress,  the  pro- 
perty of  Judge  Albert!,  of  Xassau  County,  Florida.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Vandyke  was  the  re- 
cipient of  the  honor  conferred  by  uniting  the  red  hair  and  the  black  wool,  and  his  church 
is  now  crowded  with  colored  people.     At  this  wedding  the  fijjhting  minister  was  a  guest. 


DESPOTISM.  443 

tre,  or  opera,  I  send  for  a  young  man,  and  I  have  a  choice.  In 
Europe  you  will  find  some  very  fascinating  and  very  handsome 
young  men  •  there  are  plenty  of  them,  I  am  sure  you  will  like 
them.  Be  sure  to  go  to  Italy ;  do  not  stop  in  London — it 
is  a  dirty  place.  Florence,  Rome,  Vienna,  Paris,  are  lovely 
places.  The  people  are  all  Catholics,  and  the  ladies  never 
think  of  visiting  with  their  husbands.  You  can  do  just  as  you 
please — the  same  as  other  wives ;  nobody  will  say  anything, 
they  all  do  it.  The  sovereigns  and  popes  and  cardinals  all 
have  wives  number  one,  two  and  three,  like  Huggs'  falsehoods. 
Do  you  talk  Italian  ?  It  is  a  sweet  language,  it  is  full  of  sen- 
timent, it  is  the  heart's  language,  it  inspires  love.  Some  say 
Italy  is  destructive  to  virtue.  Of  what  use  is  virtue  after  we 
are  married  ?  What  if  there  are  more  vices  than  virtues  in 
those  climates  where  the  breeze  is  loaded  with  the  fragrance 
that  disposes  the  mind  and  heart  to  tender  emotions  V  What 
if  men  and  women  who  are  decent  here,  do  lose  all  respect  for 
character  in  Paris  and  in  Eome,  what  is  that  to  us  ?  Some 
of  both  sexes  with  us  should  go  to  Eome  and  stay  there,  for 
they  are  a  disgrace  to  decent  society ;  but  nothing  can  injure 
us  in  any  country.  I  hope  you  will  go  immediately,  said  Mrs. 
Murray. 

Mrs.  Murray,  I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  un- 
reserved friendship,  and  your  disinterested  advice.  I  think 
the  strong-minded  women  and  the  Abolitionists  are  in  a  pro- 
gressive state,  but  the  direction  that  their  saintly  qualities  are 
taking,  may  be  with  some  reflecting  persons  open  to  specula- 
tion, if  not  to  serious  alarm.  Before  I  act  upon  your  advice,  I 
shall  call  on  Dr.  Tyng,  said  Mrs.  Cope,  as  she  withdrew. 


444  DESPOTISM 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


THE  SHIPWKECK 

Hail,  noblest    structures  imaged  in  the  ware  I 

A  nation's  grateful  tribute  to  the  brave  ! 

Hail,    blest  retreats  from  war  and  shipwreck,  hall  i 

That  oft  arrest  the  wondering  stranger's  sail. 

Long  have  ye  heard  the  narratives  of  age, 

The  battle's  havoc  and  the  tempest's  rage  ; 

Long  have  ye  known  Reflection's  genial  ray 

Gild  the  calm  close  of  Valor's  various  day. 


R0GKB» 


A  FEW  days  after  the  interview  with  Mrs.  Murray,  Mra 
Cope  called  on  Dr.  Tyng. 

Dr.  Tyng,  my  darling  son  James,  you  know  what  a  beau- 
tiful boy  he  is,  I  fear  is  to  be  a  cripple  for  life !  I  cannot  tell 
you  the  distress  I  am  suffering  \  Excuse  me,  my  heart  is 
is  broken,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Cope,  what  has  happened  1  Tel!  me  all,  you  have  my 
sympathy,  said  Dr.  Tyng. 

Dr.  Bogert  is  unable  to  say  that  James  can  be  restored  im- 
mediately, and  I  contemplate  a  visit  to  London  to  consult  Sir 
James  Clark,  who  Mrs.  Stuyvesant  says  can  certainly  restore 


DESPOTISM.  445 

him.  I  cannot  obtain  my  husband's  consent,  and  Mrs.  Mur- 
ray advises  me  to  leave  without  it ;  I  am  distressed,  what 
shall  I  do  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Cope,  I  admire  your  devotion  to  your  son,  but  while 
life  lasts,  never,  never,  in  so  serious  a  crisis,  oppose  your 
husband.  You  were  the  daughter  of  pious  parents,  the  first 
lessons  they  taught  you  were  the  love  of  truth,  duty  to  your 
parents,  and  your  God  I  You  have  vowed  on  the  altar  to 
love,  cherish  and  obey  your  husband  ;  his  joys  were  to  be 
your  joys,  and  his  sufferings  were  to  be  your  sufferings,  your 
secrets  were  to  be  his  secrets.  Your  early  life  was  consecra- 
ted to  Him  who  sees  all  hearts.  Your  husband  is  worthy  of 
all  the  affection  that  you  can  bestow  upon  him.  Can  you  ex- 
pect to  retain  his  love  after  you  have  once  misled  him  ?  I  am 
well  acquainted  with  Mr.  Cope,  and  I  know  his  heart,  and  I 
know  it  is  all  sensibility ;  I  know  the  strength  of  his  affection 
for  you  and  for  his  son  !  I  would  not  willingly  be  responsible 
for  the  results  of  such  an  elopement!  Excuse  me  for  using 
the  term,  but  is  it  not  correct  ?  I  do  hope  you  will  think  no 
more  of  your  secret  visit ;  you  know  my  affection  for  you 
both,  and  you  will  give  me  credit  for  sincerity.  Europe  is 
full  of  Catholic  demoralization,  and  the  Sabbath  is  desecrated, 
no  female  touches  its  shores  without  a  loss  of  some  of  her  at- 
tachment to  virtue.  The  influence  of  Catholic  institutions  is 
inost  pernicious  ;  Europe  is  a  land  of  ignorance,  poverty, 
tyranny  and  vice,  said  Dr.  Tyng. 

You  cannot  advise  me  to  give  up  forever,  all  that  has  made 
life  so  happy,  and  on  which  all  my  hope  of  coming  enjoyment 
is  placed,  said  Mrs,  Cope. 

I  should  hope  to  not  lose  my  son,  but  I  would  not  lose  my 
husband,  said  Dr.  Tyng. 

I  may  still  live,  but  all  for  which  I  lived  is  gone ;  I  ask  no 
more  for  life,  said  Mrs.  Cope  in  tones  that  moved  Dr.  Tyng's 
heart,  but  he  did  not  reply. 


44(5  DESPOTISM. 

Mrs.  Cope  returned  home,  but  her  mind  was  not  relieved 
from  doubt  as  to  the  course  that  the  emergency  demanded  ;  to 
her  the  night  was  a  sleepless  and  a  desponding  night. 

The  next  morning  the  "  Mercantile  Guide  and  Family 
Journal"  was  handed  to  her  by  a  servant,  and  she  read  as 
follows  : 

"  Lojidon,  Regent  St. 
*'  To  THE  Humane. — About  twelve  years  ago  there  sailed 
from  London  a  ship  called  the  Manchester,  bound  to  New 
York,  with  passengers.  Some  days  out,  she  encountered  a 
storm,  by  which  she  was  greatly  damaged,  and  was  seen  in 
great  danger.  On  board  the  Manchester  when  she  sailed  were 
James  Bright  and  wife,  and  their  two  children,  one  son  and 
one  daughter.  Nothing  certain  is  known  of  the  vessel  or  her 
passengers.  There  were  in  the  possession  of  the  family  when 
they  left  London,  jewelry,  books,  and  one  Bible  marked 
John  Bright  from  his  mother,  and  on  another  was  written 
Isabella  Bright  from  her  mother.  Their  clothes  were  once 
good,  but  much  worn.  A  very  liberal  reward  will  be  paid 
for  the  recovery  of  the  children,  or  for  any  information  of  their 
parents. 

"  Signed, 

"  J.  Bright." 

Mr.  Cope  returned  in  the  evening,  and  found  Mrs.  Cope 
in  the  deepest  distress. 

My  dear  James,  I  am  afflicted  !  I  am  sufifering,  said  Mrs. 
Cope. 

I  suppose  James  has  had  a  return  of  his  severe  pain, 
said  Mr.  Cope. 

Read  that  paper,  "  the  Mercantile  Guide  and  Family 
Journal."  It  has  fallen  from  my  hand  !  I  have  no  sister! 
li^abella  must  be  the  person  advertised  !     Isabella  is  not  my 


J 


DESPOTISM.  447 

sister ;  the  advertisement  must  be  for  her,  and  yet  how  can  it 
be  ?  I  do  hope  it  is  not  sister  Isabella  that  is  claimed.  I 
shall  sink  if  it  is  !  Who  can  Mr.  Bright  be  ?  What  can  he 
do  if  Isabella  is  not  willing  to  leave  mother  and  go  to  Eng- 
land ?  Do  you  not  think  she  will  prefer  to  be  my  sister,  and 
live  with  us ;  I  always  meant  to  be  kind  to  her  !  We  can 
burn  the  paper,  and  then  who  will  know  that  Isabella  is  not 
my  sister — she  does  not  know  it !  Oh  Heaven,  this  will  be 
wicked  !  I  will  not  burn  this  paper.  James  and  Isabella 
too  !  I  cannot  lose  them  both  and  live.  I  will  write  to  Mr. 
Bright.  There  is  some  mistake,  I  know  there  is.  James, 
what  shall  we  do  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  will  call  at  the  office   of  the    "  Mercantile  Guide,"   and 
learn  all  that  they  can  communicate,  said  Mr.  Cope, 

The  next  morning  Mrs.  Cope  entered  the  parlor  with  the  let- 
ter in  her  hand. 

Emma,  I  hope  you  will  compose  yourself  We  will  learn 
all  the  facts,  and  then  we  can  form  an  accurate  opinion  of 
this  mysterious  advertisement.  This  article  reads  "  Lon- 
don, twelve  years  ago."  It  is  not  twelve  years  since  Isabella 
was  found  in  the  street ;  it  cannot  be.  But  this  advertise- 
ment calls  for  a  boy  also,  I  think  it  cannot  be  our  Isabella. 
Where  is  the  Bible  in  which  we  have  read  the  name  of  Isa- 
bella Bright  so  often     asked  Mr.  Cope 

Isabella  has  it,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Did  you  say,  Emma,  that  you   had    prepared   a  letter    for 
Mr.  Bright  ?  asked  Mr.  Cope. 

I  did,  and  here  it  is,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

I  will  send  it  by  the  Arctic,  said  Mr.  Cope. 

"  Neiv  York. 
"  Hon.  J.  Bright,  M.  P. — I  have  recently  read   an    adver- 
tisement in  the  "  Mercantile  Guide"  of  this   city,  signed    by 
you,  in  which  you  state  that  the  ship   Manchester  sailed  from 


448  DESPOTISM. 

London  about  twelve  years  ago  with  passengers,  and  among 
them  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bright,  and  two  children,  one  son 
and  one  daughter. 

About  twelve  years  ago,  as  I  was  passing  along  Broad- 
way, I  saw  a  remarkably  pretty  cliild  in  the  street,  selling 
apples.  I  conversed  with  her,  and  finally  carried  her  to  a 
ragged  school,  in  which  Miss  N.,  Mrs.  Van  Broom  and  Mrs. 
Vance  were  teachers.  The  child  had  in  her  trunk  a  Bible, 
and  on  the  blank  leaf  was  written  "Isabella  Bright,  from  her 
mother."  The  cliild  made  a  strong  impression  on  my  feel- 
ings, and  I  called  often  at  the  school.  Mif^s  N.  often  remarked 
that  no  child  had  ever  interested  her  own  feelings  so  much, 
and  other  teachers  noticed  her  with  equal  aflfection.  Miss  N. 
thought  the  mystery  connected  with  her  history  would  some 
day  be  explained.  Obtaining  my  mother's  consent,  I  took 
the  child  to  New  Haven,  where  she  was  educated  and  adopted 
as  my  sister.  In  face  and  form  she  is  beautiful ;  i\>r  affection 
and  for  all  the  amiable  qualities,  my  mother  has  given  her  the 
highest  place  in  her  own  heart.  Isabella  knows  nothing  of 
her  early  history.  She  was  my  bridesmaid  ;  and  if  she  were 
my  own  sister,  she  could  not  be  more  dear  to  me. 

If  you  should  claim  her  as  your  granddaughter,  you  must 
allow  her  to  live  with  us  ;  my  mother  cannot  allow  Isabella  to 
leave  her — her  affections  have  been  too  long  and  too  ardently 
placed  on  her.  I  hope  you  will  not  omit  to  write  by  the  re- 
turn of  the  Arctic,  as  our  feelings  are  deeply  interested  in  your 
reply.     Very  sincerely  yours,  Emma  Cope." 

Mrs.  Cope's  anxieties  were  undermining  a  constitution  at 
all  times  delicate,  but  now  excited  to  an  alarming  degree. 
She  retired  to  her  chamber  each  night,  and  bowed  before  the 
altar.  Sleep  could  not  always  be  wooed  to  her  pillow.  Her 
disordered  mind  was  daily  yielding  with  her  strength,  and  a 
recovery   could    not   be   anticipated.      Her   anxious   friends 


DESPOTISM.  449 

watched  over  her,  but  no  cheering  indications  came  to  their 
rehef. 

I  will  write  to  my  parents  for  the  direction  that  I  have  no 
where  found,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Neio  Yorlc^  Fifth  Avenue. 

My  Dear  Parents — I  am  in  deep  affliction  !  Our  darling 
James  is  in  danger  of  becoming  a  cripple  !  Dr.  Bogert  has 
called  to  see  him  frequently,  but  he  is  yet  in  doubt  whether 
James  can  be  restored  to  health.  I  need  not  tell  you  my  heart 
is  broken  !  I  do  fear  I  shall  not  survive  his  loss  !  At  this 
moment  there  is  lyitig  on  the  table  the  Mercantile  Guide,  in 
which  I  have  read  the  painful  intelligence  that  Isabella  is  no 
longer  my  sister  !  What  shall  I  do  ?  I  cannot  sleep,  I  can- 
not eat — I  cannot  lose  my  only  son  and  my  only  sister  !  I 
have  a  friend  who  has  recently  returned  from  England,  and 
she  has  assured  me  that  Sir  James  Clark  is  very  eminent,  and 
can  cure  our  James.  Dr.  Bogert  is  the  most  eminent  physi- 
cian in  New  York,  and  if  he  cannot  restore  James  we  do  not 
know  who  can, 

I  contemplate  visiting  London  alone  !  I  have  asked  James 
to  accompany  me,  but  he  could  not  sympathize  with  me  in  my 
distress ;  he  says  he  cannot  leave  his  business,  I  asked  his 
consent  to  go  without  him;  would  you  believe  it,  he  positively 
refused  !  He  said  he  could  not  be  separated  from  James  and 
from  me.  He  did  not  refuse  me  anything  once.  Can  I  go 
without  his  consent  ?  You  know  niy  love  for  him.  A  more 
affectionate  husband  does  not  live;  you  would  not  go  without 
his  consent  ?  In  all  his  life  he  refused  me  nothing.  Can  I 
leave  him  secretly  1  You  know  we  have  valued  friends  in  Lon- 
don. We  are  acquainted  with  Mr.  Wiggin,  Mr.  Monroe,  and 
Mr.  Peabody.  My  desire  to  visit  Europe  is  too  strong  to  be 
resisted.     I  shall  return  in  the  Arctic — it  will  not  require  long 


450  DESPOTISM. 

to  obtain  the  opinion  of  Sir  James  Clark;  will  you  tell  me 
what  to  do?     Do,  my  dear  parents,  write  immediately. 

Aflectionately  3'ours,  Emma. 

P.  S. — I  enclose  ]VIr.  Bright's  advertisement. 

By  return  of  the  mail  the  following  letter  was  received. 

New  Haven,  Conn. 

Our  Dear  Daughter — Your  kind  letter  is  received,  and  we 
hasten  to  give  you  our  views  in  reply.  Your  letter  certainly 
contains  information  of  unusual  interest,  and  we  have  endea- 
vored to  give  it  a  candid  consideration.  IHie  result  is  that  we 
think  it  will  not  be  prudent  for  you  to  leave  for  Europe  with- 
out the  consent  of  James,  clearly  and  voluntarily  expressed  ! 
He  may  possibly  alter  his  mind  at  some  future  time,  but  we 
understand  you  to  say  that  you  asked  his  consent  and  gave 
your  reasons  for  desiring  to  go  without  him ;  and  he  replied 
that  he  could  not  leave  his  business  at  this  moment,  and  that 
he  could  not  endure  the  absence  of  you  and  James — are  we 
correct  ? 

We  sympathize  with  you  most  sincerely,  and  we  would  gladly 
go  with  you  and  James,  if  Mr.  Cope  would  give  his  consent. 
He  is  evidently  unwilling  to  risk  the  lives  of  those  whom  he 
considers  as  dear  to  him  as  his  own.  There  is  always  some 
risk  on  the  ocean ;  the  best  boats  have  but  a  single  plank  to 
separate  precious  lives  from  the  ocean's  deepest  caverns. 

With  respect  to  Mr.  Bright's  advertisement,  we  feel  deeply 
concerned  to  learn  all  the  circumstances  of  this  mysterious 
notice.  We  can  never  resign  Isabella  !  It  is  out  of  the  ques- 
tion, and  cannot  be  thought  of  for  a  moment.  We  do  not 
know  who  Mr.  Bright  is,  but  he  may  call  Isabella  grand- 
daughter, if  that  will  give  him  any  pleasure ;  we  suppose 
he  has  a  dozen  poor,  suffering,  starving  children,  and  will  not 
w^ant  her  if  he  hears  she  is  well  provided  for.     The  vessel,  it 


DESPOTISM.  451 

seems,  sailed  from  London  twelve  years  ago.  We  are  safe 
enough ;  Isabella  is  not  his  grandchild.  If  Isabella  is  his 
grandchild,  then  where  is  the  boy  ?  We  have  not  mentioned 
your  letter  to  Isabella,  and  we  shall  not  think  of  doing  it ;  if 
you  should  ever  ascertain  that  there  is  any  truth  in  Mr.  Bright's 
claim,  you  must  write  to  Isabella  yourself.  We  know  how 
much  you  must  suffer,  and  we  offer  you  our  hearts'  deepest 
sympathy,  and  we  beg  of  you  to  call  all  your  energy  to  your 
aid.  Of  what  use  to  suffering  humanity  can  be  virtue,  religion, 
and  philosophy,  if  we  cannot  rest  firmly  on  them  in  hours  of 
deep  affliction  ?  Life  is  a  mystery. — sufferings  are  the  lot  of 
all.  In  the  sea  of  doubt,  virtue  and  a  pure  faith  are  our  only 
pilots.     We  will  visit  you  soon. 

Very  affectionately,  Your  Parents. 

By  return  of  the  Arctic,  the  following  letter  was  received. 

London^  Regent  Street. 

Emma  Cope — Thy  very  kind  letter  is  received,  in  which 
thee  states  that  thee  have  probably  discovered  Isabella  Bright ! 
With  this  intelligence  we  are  delighted.  We  have  occasion- 
ally advertised  for  her  and  her  brother,  for  twelve  years,  and 
we  have  sent  agents  with  the  hope  of  learning  something  of 
them,  but  without  success. 

Isabella  is  our  granddaughter,  and  no  event  of  our  life  has 
given  us  more  pleasure  than  the  thought  of  again  receiving 
her  to  our  hearts  and  to  our  home.  There  is  yet  a  grandson, 
John  Bright,  who  is  not  recovered  !  Thee  will  confer  a  great 
favor  on  usby  making  an  effort  to  recover  him  also.  I  have 
no  children,  and  John  will,  if  recovered,  inherit  the  large  es- 
tate which  has  been  in  our  family  since  the  conquest.  Is  it 
too  late  to  learn  something  respecting  my  son  and  his  talented 
wife  ?  She  was  a  member  of  a  family  of  the  very  first  respec- 
tability, and  was  a  writer  of  some  eminence,  having  been  the 


452  DESPOTISM. 

author  of  two  plays,  and  one  volume  of  poetry  written  before 
she  was  eighteen.  It  would  be  deeply  interesting  to  learn  the 
particulars  of  her  last  hours,  for  we  must  suppose  her  dead. 
She  was  active  in  the  discharge  of  all  the  duties  of  social  life, 
and  adorned  it  with  its  richest  graces.  Her  disposition  was 
amiable ;  she  was  ever  among  the  suffering  classes,  and  she 
was  the  center  of  a  devoted  circle  of  relatives  and  friends. 

My  son  !  my  son  !  Shall  I  ever  hear  from  him  1  I  cannot 
give  up  the  thought  of  yet  learning  his  sad  fate.  I  can  never 
forgive  the  persons  who  allowed  him  to  leave  London  without 
my  knowledge.  Will  thee  learn  all  that  may  be  known  of  the 
Manchester,  and  write  us  ? 

Thee  alluded  to  Isabella's  personal  qualities,  and  to  her 
education.  I  cannot  attempt  in  this  short  letter  to  say  how 
much  and  how  sincerely  I  feel  the  obligations  under  which 
thy  love  and  thy  mother's  love  for  Isabella  have  placed  me  ; 
I  shall  testify  my  regard  for  thee  and  thy  mother  in  a  more 
suitable  manner.  I  send  a  draft  on  Messrs.  Duncan,  Sher- 
man &  Co.  for  five  hundred  pounds,  with  which  thee  will  please 
pay  Isabella's  expenses,  and  make  such  use  as  thee  pleases  of 
the  balance.  I  wish  in  the  most  emphatic  manner  to  offer 
thee  the  hospitalities  of  my  house,  and  ask  of  thee  and  thy 
husband  the  pleasure  of  a  visit  to  London.  No  event  will 
give  me  more  pleasure.  We  shall  feel  so  great  a  desire  to  see 
Isabella,  that  the  time  will  pass  slowly  ;  and  if  she  is  not  able 
to  leave  in  the  first  boat  of  the  Collins'  line,  thee  will  confer  a 
favor  on  us  by  writing  immediately  on  receipt  of  this  letter. 
I  shall  not  abandon  the  hope  of  yet  recovering  my  grandson. 
My  wife  desires  to  present  to  thee  and  to  thy  mother,  and  to 
Mr.  Cope,  her  kind  regards,  and  to  say  that  thee  and  thy  hus- 
band must  visit  us  ;  she  can  accept  no  excuse.  I  send  thee  a 
newspaper,  in  which  thee  will  read  my  speech  recently  deliv- 
ered in  Parliament,  and  another,  in  which  thee  will  read  an 
account  of  my  visit  to  the  Emperor  of  Russia.    My  object  was 


DESPOTISM.  453 

to  save  the  two  nations  from  the  horrors  of  war.  I  was  well 
received  by  the  Emperor,  but  my  mission  was  not  accom- 
plished. I  tiave  opposed  the  war,  and  believe  that  other  am- 
bassadors would  have  avoided  it,  and  have  saved  two  hundred 
thousand  lives,  and  nearly  two  hundred  millions  of  pounds  to 
the  nation.  Thy  friend,  J.  Bright. 

Where  is  John  ?  If  some  charitable  lady  has  not  taken 
him  to  a  ragged  school,  he  is  now  sweeping  the  streets.  Mrs. 
Cope's  worst  apprehensions  were  now  confirmed.  She  could 
no  longer  conceal  from  her  own  heart  the  painful  fact  that  she 
must  relinquish  forever  her  beloved  sister!  For  some  days 
her  numerous  friends  were  calling  with  true  aflfection  to  in- 
quire the  condition  of  her  health  ;  but  to  her  chamber  they 
were  not  admitted.  A  week  or  ten  days  had  passed,  and  she 
seemed  more  deeply  involved  in  a  settled  melancholy.  She 
had  no  returns  of  the  paroxysms  that  first  broke  down  her 
spirits ;  but  her  friends  were  more  alarmed  to  find  that  no  ob- 
ject could  arouse  a  sinking  heart  from  its  utmost  desolation. 
At  times  she  shed  a  tear,  and  for  a  moment  after  a  ray  of  hope 
seemed  to  light  up  a  countenance  once  the  index  of  a  happy 
heart,  now  forever  crushed. 

Here  is  a  letter  of  awful  import !  I  cannot  trust  it  to  mor- 
tal hands  !  Here,  near  my  heart  I  place  it ;  in  it  is  the  record 
of  a  resolve  on  which  is  suspended  life  or  death,  happiness  or 
misery !  0  Heaven,  forgive  me  if  I  am  wrong !  I  have 
yielded  to  the  promptings  of  a  stricken  heart,  and  now  I  do 
fear  that  I  am  wrong  !  I  will  deposit  with  my  own  hands  the 
letter  that  I  can  trust  to  no  one. 

New  York. 
My  Dear  Sister  Isabella — I  have  the  most  painful  duty 
to  perform  that  has  ever  fallen  to  my  lot !     You  have  ever  re- 
garded me  as  your  sister,  but  an  advertisement  which  I  now 


454  DESPOTISM. 

enclose  to  you,  excited  an  anxiety  that  has  been  confirmed  by 
a  recent  letter  received  from  Mr,  Bright,  of  London,  which  I 
also  enclose.  Tiiere  are  circumstances  connected  with  your 
early  life  which  have  never  been  communicated  to  you,  and  I 
would  have  been  most  happy  to  have  forever  locked  them  in 
my  own  breast,  but  fate  has  ordered  it  otherwise.  You  are 
undoubtedly  the  granddaughter  of  Mr.  Bright,  the  member  of 
Parliament  from  Manchester,  England,  said  by  some  persons 
to  be  one  of  the  richest  manufacturers  in  Europe. 

This  disclosure  will  surprise  you,  but  I  have  another  cir- 
cumstance to  conmiunicate,  which  to  me  is  of  equal  import- 
ance. I  have  resolved  to  visit  England  with  James,  and  with- 
out the  consent  of  my  husband  !  You  are  the  first  and  only 
person  to  whom  I  have  communicated  this  circumstance,  and 
you  must  regard  it  as  a  sacred  deposit,  to  be  communicated 
to  no  living  person  !  I  propose  to  take  you  with  me  to  Mr. 
Bright's  house,  and  we  can  there  decide  upon  the  course  to 
be  adopted.  I  am  aware  of  the  immense  responsibility  that 
I  am  assuming,  but  I  have  been  haunted  by  a  desire  to  see 
London,  and  to  try  the  skill  of  their  greatest  physician.  I 
shall  ever  regard  you,  my  dear  Isabella,  as  my  own  sister,  and 
you  must  ever  so  regard  me,  will  you  ?  You  shall  return 
with  me,  if  ^Mr.  Bright  will  give  his  consent.  You  must  leave 
New  Haven  by  the  earliest  train  on  Saturday,  and  on  your 
arrival  in  the  city,  you  will  take  a  carnage  for  Mrs.  Bayard's 
house  in  the  Fifth  Avenue,  where  I  will  call  for  you.  I  shall 
rely  on  your  keeping  this  letter  from  the  knowledge  of  every 
member  of  my  parents'  family. 

Aflfectiouately  your  sister,  Emma. 

This  was  woman's  weakness,  but  it  was  woman's  love. 
Here  is  a  letter  tiiat  I  must  send  immediately  to  Mr.  Tor- 
rence,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 
.   Saturday  morning  arrived.     Isabella,  now  more  luvely  than 


DESPOTISM.  455 

ever,  was  alighting  from  a  coach  at  the  door  of  Mrs.  Bayard's 
house. 

Mrs.  Bayard  met  Isabella,  and  they  exchanged  a  kiss. 

Isabella,  you  never  looked  in  such  perfect  health  ;  it  is  glo- 
rious to  look  upon  such  a  face.  Are  you  not  delighted  with 
the  thought  of  seeing  England,  and  all  the  gay  scenes  of  Eu- 
ropean courts  ?  I  do  wish  I  could  go  with  you  and  your  sis- 
ter Emma  !  I  am  glad  I  introduced  Emma  to  all  my  friends; 
they  are  nearly  all  now  on  .board  the  Arctic,  and  you  will  have 
the  most  interesting  company  that  ever  left  New  York  for 
Europe.  The  most  of  them  are  from  the  Fifth  Avenue,  and 
all  are  our  most  wealthy  and  talented  citizens.  What  can  be  so 
delightful  as  to  cross  the  ocean  with  such  valued  friends  ? 
How  can  I  narine  individuals  when  all  are  my  cherished 
friends  ?  I  do  envy  you  and  Emma  the  pleasure  of  such  a 
voyage,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  thank  you,  Mrs.  Bayard,  fur  your  kind  remarks.  I  know 
you  do  wish  me  all  the  happiness  that  now  smiles  in  prospect 
on  us,  but  I  leave  with  many  a  bitter  pang  !  I  cannot  tell 
you  how  much  I  love  many  whom  I  may  never,  never  meet 
again  !  My  mother  !  0,  my  dear  mother,  must  I  leave  her  ? 
Mrs.  Bayard,  I  would  rather  return  to  New  Haven  !  I  did 
steal  from  my  mother,  and  it  was  most  cruel  !  I  cannot  think 
of  it !    I  do  believe  sister  Emma  has  done  wrong,  said  Isabella. 

Do  not  allow  your  feelings  to  overcome  you.  All  things 
are  ordered  by  a  wise  Providence  for  the  best.  There  are  the 
trunks  sent  by  Emma  for  you,  and  for  herself,  and  she  will 
call  immediately  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  will  you  allow  me  one  minute's  conversation 
in  your  own  room  ?  asked  Isabella. 

With  pleasure.  Seat  yourself  on  this  ottoman,  said  Mrs. 
Bayard. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  may  I  look  to  you  for  one  kind  act  ?  I  ask  it 
reluctantly,  but  you  will,  I  know  you  will,  excuse  me.     We 


456  D  K  S  P  O  T  i  S  M  . 

cannot  trust  our  tboughts  to  all  our  friends.  I  have,  Mrs, 
Bayard,  for  months  suffered  from  causes  of  which  you  know 
nothing,  and  I  am  yet  suffering,  you  cannot  know  how  deeply 
I  am  suffering  !  I  have  nearly  overcome  my  feelings — you  see 
that  I  am  now  quite  composed.  This  letter  that  I  now  take 
from  near  my  heart  is  directed  to  Gustavus  Dana,  New  Ha- 
ven, Conn.  At  your  house  a  person  will  call ;  will  you  give 
this  package  to  him  ?  You  will  receive  others  from  me  by  the 
Arctic,  under  the  same  superscription,  and  they  will  be  called 
for  by  the  same  person.  May  I  look  to  you  for  the  perform- 
ance of  this  kind  office?  1  need  not  tell  you  that  the  utmost 
secrecy  is  the  favor  that  I  ask  you,  said  Isabella. 

Isabella,  I  am  very  sorry  that  you  have  asked  of  me  the  per- 
formance of  this  office.  The  letter  that  you  have  given  me  is 
not  intended  by  you  for  the  person  to  whom  it  is  directed,  and 
you  know  it !  I  well  know  who  will  call  for  this  mysterious 
package  !  Isabella,  do  not,  as  you  value  the  happiness  of 
those  Vk'hom  you  hold  most  dear,  do  not,  I  beg  of  you,  give 
any  encouragement  to  him  whom  I  shall  not  here  name ;  and 
do  not  for  one  moment  assume  a  disguise  I  Whatever  you 
may  decide  to  do,  declare  that  decision  openly,  said  Mrs. 
Bayard. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  you  surprise  me !  From  whom  have  you 
learned  names  and  incidents  that  deeply  interest  others  as  well 
as  myself?  asked  Isabella. 

That  question  I  cannot  answer.  This  is  not  the  place  nor 
time  to  discuss  a  subject  of  so  much  importance  to  those  who 
have  placed  all  their  hopes  of  happiness  on  you.  Emma  was 
to  call  for  you  at  this  very  hour  !  "Will  she  not  ask  me  why 
I  am  in  private  conversation  with  you  ?  Do  you  think  I  shall 
conceal  the  truth,  or  give  to  Emma  an  evasive  answer?  Isa- 
bella, there  is  one  to  whom  you  should  write  !  I  need  not 
name  him ;  your  own  heart  suggests  all  that  I  would  say,  said 
Mrs.  Bayard. 


DESPOTISM.  457 

It  is  too  late — 1  have  gone  too  far  !  My  course  now  is  for- 
ever fixed,  and  no  power  on  earth  can  change  it !  I  did  adore 
W.,  but  in  one  act  he  closed  forever  all  access  to  reconcilia- 
tion. To  James  I  am  pledged,  and  in  happiness  or  in  sorrow, 
with  him  I  will  be  content !  Come  sickness,  come  disappoint- 
ment, poverty,  degradation,  my  friends'  desertion,  early  death ; 
with  him  I  fear  you  not !  said  Isabella. 

This  hasty  decision,  Isabella,  you  will  repent.  Do  not,  I 
beg  of  you,  do  not  confirm  this  rash  decision  by  an  act  that 
will  bring  sorrow  to  your  own  heart  and  to  the  hearts  of  all 
your  numerous  friends  !  Take  back  this  letter,  or  I  will  de- 
stroy it !  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

If  you  do  destroy  it,  other  winged  messengers  shall  tell  him 
that  my  vows  are  registered  where  mortals  cannot  reverse 
them,  said  Isabella,  as  she  left  Mrs.  Bayard's  room. 

A  coach  w^as  seen  ! 

It  is  Emma  !  said  Isabella,  as  she  ran  to  the  door. 

The  meeting  was  deeply  affecting  to  those  who  saw  it. 

My  dear  Mrs.  Bayard,  I  cannot  tell  you  all,  but  in  the 
Arctic,  that  sails  this  day  for  Europe,  I  leave  my  home,  my 
husband,  my  friends,  all  that  in  life  I  hold  dear !  I  am  rash, 
I  know  I  am,  but  I  have  followed  a  silent  monitor,  a  fate,  a 
destiny,  an  evil  genius,  call  it  what  you  will !  I  now  believe 
that  I  have  done  wrong,  but  I  have  not  resolution  to  retrace 
my  steps  I     I  shall  never  return !  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Do  not  say  that  you  shall  never  return ;  it  is  wrong  to 
yield  your  feelings  thus ;  the  clouds  will  soon  pass  away,  and 
bright  scenes  will  call  you  back  to  peace,  and  turn  all  your 
fears  to  joys,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  my  strength  and  my  spirits  are  nearly  gone ; 
my  head  swims,  and  a  faintness  oppresses  me,  said  Mrs. 
Cope  as  she  rested  her  head  on  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  have  not  written  a  line  to  ray  husband,  how  can  I  do  it  ? 
20 


458  DESPOTISM. 

I  cannot  !     Will  you,  Mrs.  Bayard,  will  you  see  him  when 
he  returns  this  evening  ?     Say  to  him  that  I  am  gone  !    .  .  . 

A  few  months  will  determine  all  !  James  will  be  restored 
or  I  shall  sink  in  sorrow  to  an  early  grave  !  I  do  hope  he 
can  yet  be  restored  to  health  ;  at  times  I  imagine  all  is  yet  to 
be  well  with  us ;  my  life  is  suspended  on  his  recovery.  If  he 
does  recover,  James  will  forgive  me ;  if  ho  does  not,  then  ne- 
ver shall  I  be  forgiven  !  If  I  doomed  to  accident  or  death 
in  other  scenes  !  .  .  .  .  Forgive  me,  I  did  not  think  it 
would  be  so  hard  to  part !  If  I  do  not  return,  will  you  re- 
member me  ?  asked  Mrs.  Cope. 

Do  not  speak  thus,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  have  broken  the  heart  of  my  husband.  Oh  my  mother! 
They  can  never  forgive  this  last  cruel  act !  If  I  have  done 
wrong,  will  Heaven  forgive  me !  Will  you  see  my  husband  ? 
You  know  my  affection  for  him  !  I  can  add  nothing,  said 
Mrs.  Cope. 

I  beg  of  you  to  be  firm,  do  not  thus  suffer  ;  you  need  all 
your  energy  to  carry  out  all  that  you  have  resolved.  I  wish 
you  all  the  happiness  that  the  recovery  of  James  can  give 
you.  I  will  see  your  husband,  and  will  smooth  the  way  to  a 
full  explanation  of  all  that  you  have  done ;  your  heart  is  right, 
and  he  will  forgive  you,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

I  shall  meet  my  beloved  friends  like  you,  in  scenes  where 
sorrow  and  suffering  and  separation  will  be  known  no  more  ! 
Say  to  my  husband  that  we  shall  meet  in  other  spheres  !  A 
kiss,  we  part,  said  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mrs.  Cope  and  Isabella  were  on  board  the  Arctic,  but  the 
scene  so  interesting  to  the  large  company,  shed  no  cheer- 
ing rays  on  the  wrecked  spirits  of  Mrs.  Cope. 

Mr.  Cope  returned  to  his  house  in  the  evening  from  Phila- 
delphia, and  no  wife  or  son  was  there  to  greet  him. 

Where  is  Emma  ?     Where  is  James  ?     Where  is  a  letter  ? 


DESPOTISM.  459 

Where  is  any  information  to  be  obtained  ?  asked  Mr.  Cope  in 
deepest  sorrow. 

A  messenger  from  Mrs.  Bayard  invited  him  to  her  house. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  what  has  happened  ?  asked  Mr.  Cope. 

Your  wife's  anxiety  for  James's  recovery  has  called  her 
from  home  for  a  brief  interval,  and  I  promised  to  see  you  and 
explain  all ;  she  will  soon  return.  Here  is  a  room ;  at  our 
house  you  shall  have  the  home  of  which  for  a  short  time,  cir- 
cumstances of  a  painful  nature  have  elsewhere  deprived  you. 
I  sympathize  deeply  with  you.  I  know  your  sufferings,  but 
you  will  soon  hear  from  Emma.  A  voyage  to  Liverpool  is 
nothing  since  Mr.  Collins  has  done  so  much  for  us  all.  He 
has  sent  his  wife  and  daughter  in  the  Arctic,  and  all  her  pas- 
sengers will  be  safe ;  Captain  Luce  has  the  confidence  of  all ; 
no  accidents  can  occur  while  he  has  the  command,  said  Mrs. 
Bayard. 

Where  is  the  letter  written  by  Emma  ?  asked  Mr.  Cope. 

She  wrote  none,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Tell  me,  Mrs.  Bayard,  all  that  she  said.  It  cannot  be  that 
she  left  no  letter,  you  are  not  serious  !  said  Mr.  Cope. 

She  could  not  write.  Do  not,  Oh  do  not  censure  Emma. 
Her  heart  is  almost  broken.  Your  name  was  the  last  uttered. 
With  us  you  shall  be  at  home,  our  enjoyments  shall  be  yours, 
your  suflferings  shall  be  ours,  said  Mrs.  Bayard. 

Mrs.  Bayard,  I  thank  you  for  all  your  kindness  to  me  and 
to  Emma,  and  to  the  end  of  my  life  I  shall  bear  your  remem- 
brance on  my  heart.  I  can  never  forget  the  happy  hours 
passed  at  your  house,  now  forever  associated  in  my  memory 
with  Emma,  and  all  that  on  earth  has  happiness  for  me.  My 
life  now  is  short  !  I  know  that  these  pangs  are  not  on  earth 
to  find  their  cure.  You  need  not  tell  me  that  she  will  return, 
I  know  that  she  will  not  !  Adieu  to  all  that  on  earth  was 
once  so  lovely  !     I  did  not  think  of  losing  Emma,  and  have 


460  DESPOTISM, 

I  lost  James  too  ?     I   cannot   part   with   both  !     Oh  that  I 
were  with  them  !  said  Mr.  Cope  as  he  concealed  his  face. 


Mr.  Cope*  still  lives  to  mourn  a  catastrophe  the  pains  of 
which  no  time  can  alleviate.  The  writer  owes  the  public 
an  apology  for  weaving  into  his  tale  of  fiction,  a  fact  that 
cannot  fail  to  wound  many  a  sorrowful  heart.  Piction  can 
add  nothing  to  the  thrilling  interest  with  which  this  disaster 
was  invested,  and  no  writer  of  fiction  ever  did,  or  ever  can, 
invest  his  own  creations  with  the  interest  of  this  painful  re- 
ality. Nearly  all  the  persons  lost  in  the  Arctic,  and  the  Pa- 
cific, were  our  own  citizens,  with  whom  our  best  circles 
were  in  daily  intercourse.  More  fatal  disasters  never  hap- 
pened, and  w^e  pray  that  similar  ones  may  never  again  occur. 

We  daily  meet  those  who  lost  near  relatives  and  valued 
friends.  We  miss  these  persons  from  our  social  circles,  we 
miss  them  from  our  daily  walks,  and  from  the  gay  scenes  of 
joyous,  happy  life,  and  we  miss  them  from  their  seats  around 
the  altar.  We  would  gladly  have  healed  wounds  that  we  fear 
will  bleed  afresh  ;  into  these  wounds  we  would  gladly  pour 
the  balm  of  consolation.  We  know  the  sufferings  of  those 
who  still  mourn  wife  and  children,  brothers  and  sisters,  and 
we  do  most  sincerely  sympathize  with  them.  To  those  who 
lost  one  friend  by  such  a  death,  it  seemed  suffering  enough, 
but  to  lose  parents,  wife,  and  children,  in  scenes  that  no 
friendly  hand  could  reach,  was  to  receive  a  wound  to  the 
heart,  that  life  can  barely    sustain.       The    lives  of  all  who 

*  Mr.  R ,  merchant  of  this  city. 


DESPOTISM.  461 

were  lost  in  the  Arctic  and  the  Pacific  were  dear  to  many  a 
suffering  mourning  heart.  Time  can  do  but  little  for  suffer- 
ings so  poignant,  and  death  has  already  come  to  the  relief  of 
some,  whose  life  was  unable  to  sustain  its  sufferings.  Spring 
will  return,  and  Summer  will  put  on  its  gayest  robes,  but  re- 
signation will  not  in  life  come  to  many  a  stricken  heart.  The 
gay  scenes  of  life  will  call  many  mourners  to  their  shrine,  but 
in  gayest  moments,  a  thought  of  lost  relations  will  flash  upon 
the  mind,  and  the  heart  will  sink.  In  the  still  hours  of  the 
night,  shrieks  will  be  heard,  and  sleep  will  refuse  to  bless 
with  its  presence,  the  victim  of  sorrow  and  of  tears  !  Visions 
will  crowd  upon  their  minds,  and  asleep  or  awake,  imagina- 
tion will  people  the  world  wdth  horrid  spectres.  In  imagina- 
tion every  lost  friend  will  revisit  them,  dragging  their  frozen 
limbs,  or  in  torments  dying  !  Starvation's  lingering  victims, 
with  livid  eye  and  bloodless  lips,  will  be  seen  waiting  death's 
welcome  visit !  Locked  in  fields  of  ice,  a  boat  will  be  seen 
floating  to  regions  of  eternal  winter  !  The  floating  ice,  the 
crushed  boat,  the  cold  and  stormy  night,  the  howling  wind, 
the  dying  groans,  the  unburied  corse,  will  be  ever  before  their 
eyes,  and  sounding  in  their  ears  1  From  beneath  the  ocean 
wave  will  start  up  erect,  the  mangled,  mutilated  corse  of  wife 
and  children  !  In  dark  coral  caverns  deep  in  the  ocean,  the 
abodes  of  monsters,  and  serpents  of  horrid  dimensions,  will  be 
seen  the  forms  once  beautiful,  and  worshiped  by  hearts  now 
desolate  !  The  gentle  breeze,  as  it  fans  the  cheek,  will  waft 
the  sighs  of  dying  children  !  In  the  tempest's  roar  will  be 
heard  the  groans  of  anguish  that  no  heart  can  endure  !  In 
every  paper  that  records  a  wreck,  will  be  seen  the  horrid  de- 
tails of  the  sufferings  and  death  of  those  they  loved  !  In  eve- 
ry wave  which  dashes  on  our  shore,  will  be  seen  a  tear  shed 
in  life's  last  agony  !  Every  boat  that  meets  the  eye  will  tell 
the  tale  of  boats  no  more  to  return  !  The  visions  tliat  come 
to  them  when  others  sleep,  will  tell  them   of  mnngled  bodies 


462  DESPOTISM. 

dashed  on  a  frozen  shore !  The  curtains  which  once  enclosed 
all  that  their  heart  would  worship,  will  in  the  silent  night  be 
drawn  aside  by  forms  disfii^ured,  and  but  half  human  !  As 
the  arms  of  the  corse  are  extended  toward  their  husband  or 
wife,  there  will  drop  from  them  living,  crawling  creatures  that 
will  curdle  the  blood  !  Every  memento  of  lost  wife  or  daugh- 
ter, will  again  and  again  strike  a  pang  to  their  bleeding  hearts. 
Suflerings  too  intense  for  endurance,  will  beg  for  a  pull  to 
shroud  from  the  memory  and  the  heart,  images  on  which  rea- 
son cannot  safely  dwell,  and  madness  may  at  last  obliterate  ! 
To  have  saved  the  lives  of  their  children,  more  than  one  pa- 
rent would  have  devoted  the  sacrifice  of  their  own.  Mystery 
and  doubt  may  assail  some,  but  hope,  and  faith,  and  resigna- 
tion point  fur  relief  to  other  spheres.  Philosophy  and  reli-. 
gion  have  invested  this  event  with  all  the  solemnity  that  inspi- 
ration can  give  ;  but  the  teachings  of  the  greatest  minds  sink 
into  insignificance  compared  with  the  language  uttered  from 
on  high. 

The  virtues  practised  here,  and  the  aftections  enshrined  in 
the  heart,  will  increase  and  strengthen  in  scenes  above,  or  we 
live  in  vain.  The  world  invested  with  its  beauty,  will  ever 
draw  the  mind  from  reflection,  and  from  virtue;  but  events  of 
huch  deep  import  are  sure  to  remind  us  that  life  is  true  to  its 
original  design,  only  when  the  eye  is  on  a  life  to  come.  Phi- 
losophy assures  us  that  all  things  change,  and  it  assures  us 
that  nothing  is  destroyed ;  annihilation  is  a  word  without  a 
meaning. 

That  pure  life  can  have  no  end  is  equally  the  teaching  of 
sound  philosophy  and  pure  religion.  Philosophy,  religion, 
literature,  learning,  and  inspiration,  belong  equally  to  the  phir 
losopher,  the  theologian,  and  the  novelist.  To  invest  this  life 
with  the  dignity  that  its  connection  with  a  life  to  come  must 
invest  it,  is  the  purpose  of  all  that  philosophy,  religion,  litera- 
ture, learning,  and  inspiraticm  can  bestow.     The  lessons  of  the 


DESPOTISM.  463 

pulpit  are  addressed  to  the  heart ;  the  novelist  addresses  the 
understanding  through  the  heart.  A  sermon  reaches  hundreds 
and  is  forgotten  ;  tales  of  fiction  will  be  read  by  the  intellec- 
tual, while  imagination  soars  from  earth  to  heaven.  Life  is 
crowded  with  vice  and  suffering,  and  fiction  need  not  portray 
scenes  of  vice.  Fiction  rightly  directed,  will  show  us  lives  tiiat 
all  would  emulate.  Virtue  enshrined  in  living  forms,  will  in 
terest  when  saints  are  forgotten.  If  every  tale  of  fiction  can 
enshrine  one  virtue  in  the  reader's  heart,  half  the  vice  and  suf- 
fering may  be  driven  from  this  favored  country. 

Progress  is  stamped  on  the  intellect  by  the  Deity.  Light 
that  first  gleamed  in  early  darkness,  sheds  but  a  more  feeble 
ray  in  this  intellectual  age.  Light  and  truth  repel  the  chains 
that  superstition  fixed  early  on  the  minds  of  men.  Every  dis- 
covery of  man  shows  us  a  more  close  alliance  with  the  Crea- 
tor, and  is  the  true  revelation  of  the  great  Architect  of  all 
created  things.  If  superstition  was  born  in  days  of  ignorance 
and  of  dogmas,  it  should  have  no  existence  when  light  has  re- 
vealed the  laws  of  Providence  and  the  sure  existence  of  a 
God.  This  conviction  repels  all  aid  from  dogmas,  and  regards 
them  as  dogs  to  intellectual  light  and  pure  faitii.  The  reli- 
gion that  enjoins  a  faith  that  intellect  repels,  has  shrouded  the 
world  in  darkness,  and  would  ever  keep  it  there.  Faith,  guid- 
ed by  the  light  of  the  intellect,  will,  when  dogmas  and  their 
votaries  are  expelled,  guide  men  upward  and  onward  in  purity 
to  a  life  to  come. 

Invisible  Sam. 


50,000  COPIES  SOLD  IN  ONE  YEAR! 

OR,    THE 

MASTER    KEY    TO    POPERY. 
BY  ANTHONY  GAVIN, 

Formerly  one  of  the  Roman  Catholic  priests  of  Saragossa,  Spain. 


"  And  behold  a  Great  Red  Dragon,  having  seven  heads  and  ten  horns."   Rsv. 


Opinions  of  the  Press. 

This  is  a  volume  crowded  with  a  mass  of  thrillingly  interesting  matter.  It 
gives  a  tull  and  complete  history  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church — its  forms  and 
confessions,  balls  and  absolutions  :  an  account  of  the  masses,  transubstantiation 
and  purgatory  ;  the  Eucharist  ;  Inquisitors  and  Inquisition  :  prayers,  adoration 
of  iinnges.  worship  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  saints,  reliques  and  images  ;  indulgences 
and  the  power  of  the  priests  to  forgive  sins  ;  oaths  to  be  taken  to  defend  the  Pa- 
pacy ;  bishop's  oath  ;  extirpation  of  heretics  ;  notices  of  the  Papal  Church  in  the 
L'nited  States  ;  damnation  and  excommunication  of  Elizabeth.  Queen  of  Eng- 
land, and  a  great  variety  of  other  subjects  in  reference  to  the  Reman  Catholic 
religion.  [New  York  Atlas. 

It  is  written  in  a  manly  and  dignified  tone.  [National  Standard. 

The  volume  is  enriched  by  an  account  of  the  Inquisition  of  Goa,  by  Dr.  Bu- 
chanan, who  travelled  and  resided  in  Asia  ;  an  account  of  the  Inquisition  at 
Macerta  in  Italy,  by  Mr.  Bower,  and  a  summary  of  the  Roman  Catholic  faith, 
carefully  prepared  from  their  own  works.  [Ch.  Intelligencer. 

They  give  a  veritable  picture  of  this  colossal  system  of  error,  which  is  prob- 
ably as  applicable  in  its  main  features  to  what  it  now  is,  as  to  what  it  was  in 
Spain,  when  it  sat  for  this  startling  portrait.  [New  York  Evang. 

He  opens  Catholicism  with  a  double-edged  sword,  and  floods  it  with  sun- 
beams. [Boston  Bee. 

A  well  digested  and  thoroughly  authentic  treatise  on  the  subject,  replete  with 
anecdotes  and  fine  illustrations.  (^Olive  Branch. 

It  contains  a  graphic  description  of  the  abominations  of  the  Papal  Romish 
Church  in  past  ages,  and  down  to  the  present  time.  [Know  Nothing. 

This  work  embrnces  a  thorough  exposition  of  the  practices  of  the  Romish 
clergy,  and  of  the  abominations  which  are  hidden  beneath  the  mantle  of 
the  scarlet  woman.  [Evening  Mirror. 

The  work  is  bound  in  rich  muslin,  gilt  back  and  sides,  with  French  edges. 
408  pages.     Price  $1.25.    Published  by 

HALL  &  WILLSON,  115  &  117  Nassau  st.  N.  Y. 

N.  B.  Any  person  who  may  wish  a  copy  of  this  work,  and  will  mail 
$1.25  to  our  address,  will  receive  the  same,  free  of  postage,  by  return 
mail.  The  money,  if  properly  mailed,  post-paid  and  registered,  will  be 
at  our  risk. 

"^^  Agents  wanted  in  every  town  end  county  to  sell  this  and  other 
works. 


FOURTH  EDITION  NOW  READY. 

ALICE    LEE, 

OR    THE 

MAINE     LAW     TRIUMPHANT. 


OPINIONS  OF   THE  PRESS, 

Selected  from  a  large  number  of  similar  commendations. 

"Whoever  can  read  the  volume,  and  not  learn  valuable  lessons  from  it,  must 
be  more  or  less  than  human.  Let  the  work  be  sent  forth  as  a  missionary  in  the 
cause  of  temperance,  good  morals,  and  religion.  [Boston  Bee. 

The  vitality,  the  conceptive  vigor,  the  intensity  of  feeling,  and  the  energy  of 
utterance  here  exhibited,  all  do  honor  to  the  authoress.  [Philad.  paper. 

It  is  not  alone,  however,  a  powerful  arfjument  against  the  fearful  evils  of  in- 
temperance, but  also  a  most  interesting  life-history  of  several  New  England  fam- 
ilies. The  characters  of  the  principal  actors  are  admirably  delineated,  and  strik- 
ingly true  to  life.    The  conclusion  is  beautiful  and  affecting  [Jour.  Com. 

There  is  a  naturalness  in  her  style  of  writing,  which,  in  many  writers,  is  the 
fruit  and  product  of  consummate  art,  but  with  her  is  the  very  ease  and  simpli- 
city of  nature,  and  which  has  spread  its  great  charm  upon  every  page.    [Cong. 

The  work  breathes  a  spirit  of  genuine  philanthropy,  and  is  well  fitted  to 
strengthen  the  hands  and  encourage  the  hearts  of  those  who  are  laboring  to  dry 
away  one  of  the  bitterest  fountains  of  human  woe.  [Albany  Argus. 

A  capital  temperance  story,  full  of  incident  and  well  told  narrative.  The 
illustrations  are  well  executed.  It  is  a  story  of  no  common  power.  [Lad.  Rep. 

This  is  a  fearful  story  of  the  descent  of  Edward  Lee,  from  his  happy  courtship 
and  marriage  days,  down  to  the  debasement  of  drunkenness.  The  handsome 
and  prosperous  young  husband  meets  his  club — spends  his  evenings  at  a  tavern, 
breaks  the  heart  of  his  lovely  young  wife — abuses  his  children— loses  all  his  pro- 
perty— passes  through  horrible  stages  of  mania.  But  lo  !  the  Maine  Law  is 
passed,  and  it  snatches  him  back  to  peace,  comfort  and  happiness.   [N.  Y.  Mir. 

We  commend  this  book  to  the  notice  of  marriageable  young  ladies  who  are 
about  to  form  a  life  partnership  with  such  young  men  as  indulge  in  the  convivial 
glass  in  the  club  room.  [H.  and  F    Express. 

All  we  need  say,  in  conclusion,  of  this  appeal  to  the  friends  of  Temperance, 
is,  read  the  book,  and  then  speak  your  own  true  impressions  of  it  to  your  friends 
and  neighbors  ;  by  doing  so  you  will,  without  trouble  or  inconvenience  to  your- 
selves, contribute  immeasurably  to  the  circulation  of  one  of  the  best  books  ever 
published.  One  vol.  12mo,  strikingly  illustrated,  elegantly  bound  in  rich  em- 
bossed mnslin.  Price  $1,00,  or  five  copies  for  $4.  Sent  by  mail  (post  paid)  on 
receipt  of  price,  either  in  money  or  postage  stamps     Published  by 

HALL  &  WILLSON,  115  &  117  Nassau  st.  N.  Y. 

D;^  Money  properly  mailed  (prepaid  and  registered)  to  our  address  at  our 
risk.    Agents  wanted  in  every  town  and  county  to  sell  this  and  other  works. 


